Drug Dealer Busted in Tunbridge Wells Car Park
A man caught dealing cocaine in a Tunbridge Wells car park has been locked up. Endrit Cerpja was nabbed with cocaine, cannabis, and a fake driving licence in the Royal Victoria Place shopping centre car park on the evening of 9 November 2019.
Stolen Identity and Packed Cocaine Stash
Police stopped Cerpja driving a red Honda Insight. Officers immediately noticed the smell of cannabis and searched the vehicle. They found eight deals of cocaine, cannabis, and nearly £500 in cash. Cerpja also carried a false Italian driving licence. Checks revealed the 23-year-old, of Albanian descent and no fixed address, was using a fake ID.
Claims of Coercion Fell Flat
During questioning, Cerpja claimed he’d been trafficked to the UK in 2017 and forced to sell drugs to pay off a gang debt. But police branded his story “a pack of lies”. He was charged with possessing cocaine with intent to supply, possessing cannabis, and using false identity documents.
Prison Sentence Sends Clear Warning
At Maidstone Crown Court, Cerpja pleaded guilty and was sentenced on 3 July 2020 to two and a half years behind bars.
Sergeant Ed Kavanagh of the Tunbridge Wells Community Policing Team said:
“Cerpja wanted us to believe he was a victim caught up in modern slavery. The truth is he was just another dealer who thought he could operate here without getting caught.”
“This conviction joins others faced by drug dealers targeting Tunbridge Wells. Many travel from other parts of the country thinking we’re a soft touch. They’re wrong.”
“We’ll keep cracking down hard on anyone selling drugs locally. There will be no let-up.”
