Drug Kingpin Busted: Sergjo Rica Jailed for Nearly Five Years
Rica’s Role in High-Stakes Drug Ring Exposed
Sergjo Rica was a major player in a cunning criminal gang that ran a slick cocaine delivery service using dedicated ‘customer’ phone lines. Between May 2019 and June 2020, Rica masterminded the operation, directing drug runners to users’ homes across the town.
Arrest and Investigation Unravel the Network
Rica’s first arrest came on 22 May 2019, when police stopped him driving a VW Passat in Tunbridge Wells. The vehicle contained cocaine and other suspects. Although bailed initially, detectives dug deeper to uncover the gang’s movements.
Investigators seized two mobile phones linked to Rica. These phones revealed a flurry of postcode-coded messages to local drug couriers, with evidence of hundreds of cocaine deals. Rica’s identity was nailed after calls to utilities companies confirmed his name and address.
Second Arrest and Crushing Court Sentence
On 3 June 2020, Rica was arrested again in Leicestershire. Police found 12 bags of cocaine in a car, along with over £1,500 cash hidden in the vehicle and his clothing. Forensic tests matched his fingerprints to the drug packages.
At Maidstone Crown Court, Rica, 25, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine and two counts of possessing cannabis with intent to supply. He was handed a hefty sentence of four years and ten months behind bars on 10 August 2021.
Gang Members Also Sent Down
Rica’s associates didn’t escape justice. Bledar Rica, 28, and Liman Dernova, 23, both from Mitcham and Orpington, were jailed earlier in May 2020 for their parts in the drug network. Bledar took five years and seven months, while Dernova got four years and one month. Five other local drug runners have also been locked up.
Detective’s Warning to Drug Dealers
“Rica was instrumental in a criminal network designed to supply as much cocaine to as many users as possible,” said Detective Constable Katy Saunders. “He had a leading role organising and directing the drug supply on a significant scale. Our evidence even showed he arranged insurance for the vehicles driven by local dealers. Drugs fuel crime and exploitation, and this sentence is a clear warning—we will relentlessly pursue and prosecute those who threaten our communities.”
