A drug dealer from Crewe who attempted to pass himself off as a tourist in Tunbridge Wells has been jailed after officers discovered cocaine hidden in his shoe.

Adrian Badea, 27, claimed he had traveled 223 miles from his home in Crewe to explore towns across the south-east of England. However, police discovered that his trip was far from innocent, revealing he was operating as part of an organised crime group supplying drugs.

Suspicious Activity Leads to Arrest

On 23 March 2023, officers from the Tunbridge Wells Neighbourhood Task Force spotted a black BMW linked to suspicious activity parked at the Fountains Retail Park. Badea, who was in the driver’s seat, told officers he was on a sightseeing holiday. However, suspicions grew when Badea admitted he had no accommodation and had been sleeping in his car.

A search of his vehicle uncovered six bags of cocaine hidden in his shoe, along with cannabis and £130 in cash.

Evidence of Drug Operations

Investigations revealed that Badea was receiving instructions from a third party via his mobile phone, which included postcode locations for delivering cocaine to users across west Kent. Officers also determined that he was traveling from town to town to deal drugs.

Court and Sentencing

Badea, of Hankins Heys Lane, Crewe, was charged with possession of cocaine with intent to supply, possession of cannabis, and driving without insurance. He pleaded guilty to all charges and was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on 14 January 2025 to two years and four months in prison.

Police Statement

Sergeant Ed Kavanagh of Kent Police said:
“It’s always pleasing to hear from genuine tourists who are keen to visit and enjoy the many delights of Tunbridge Wells. Sadly, Badea wasn’t one of them. Checks to his phone showed he was being directed by a third party to multiple locations across west Kent to deal drugs. The device included postcode locations from users to have cocaine delivered to their doorsteps.”

“This sentence is just the latest in several recent successful convictions of drug dealers who have tried to target Tunbridge Wells. It again illustrates just how effective our officers are in identifying offenders, many of whom are traveling from other areas of the country and wrongly assuming we are a soft touch.”

Kent Police continues to prioritise the fight against drug-related crime and urges the public to report any suspicious activity.