He was spotted parked in Victoria Road by proactive officers who approached the vehicle and, due to his behaviour, detained him for a search.
The officers located 27 cocaine deals in a drawstring bag, £70 in cash and a mobile phone. He was taken into custody and later charged with possessing cocaine with intent to supply and possession of criminal property (namely the seized cash). Bilali, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court. On Tuesday 2 April 2024, the 27-year-old was sentenced to two years and four months’ imprisonment.
Detective Sergeant Lucy Gentry, of West Kent CID, said: ‘This dealer had a significant number of cocaine deals that he no doubt hoped to sell for a considerable profit whilst in Tunbridge Wells.
‘Our local patrols are deployed in marked and unmarked vehicles and they are quick to spot anyone who is acting suspiciously, as Bilali found to his cost. Our message to other dealers who seek to travel into Kent is clear; it is not a matter of if you will be arrested, but when.’
