Maidstone Police shut down a cocaine ring after catching drug dealers red-handed – thanks to footage filmed by one of the crooks. Riges Kolsi, 20, has been locked up for two years over his part in dealing cocaine from a town centre base.
Undercover Police Crackdown
Kolsi and his mate Dragos Plesea, 22, raised suspicions when spotted by plainclothes cops on 10 July 2024. Two days later, officers caught them near Hart Street swapping drugs.
Their car was stopped. Kolsi was behind the wheel. A search found cocaine hidden in a flower pot on the passenger seat, £770 in cash, and two knives.
Damning Evidence on Phone
- Texts coordinating cocaine deals.
- Videos of drugs being weighed and packed.
- Footage showing drugs prepared for delivery in the car.
Further raids at their Union Street flat uncovered a large stash of cocaine and another £750 in cash.
Sentences Delivered
Kolsi pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine with intent to supply, carrying a knife publicly, and holding criminal property (cash). On 16 January 2025, he was sentenced to two years in a young offenders’ institution.
Plesea admitted to cocaine supply and cannabis possession, receiving a two-year suspended sentence.
Police Warn Drug Dealers
Chief Inspector Steve Kent slammed the pair, saying:
“Kolsi and Plesea were key players in a 24/7 organised drug network in Maidstone and beyond. Our fight against these criminals is relentless because their trade wrecks lives, health, and communities.”
“Our message is simple: stay away from Maidstone with your drugs, or you will be caught and locked up.”
Community Shielded from Crime
Maidstone Police’s tough action is part of their ongoing mission to smash organised crime rings and protect locals from the destructive grip of class A drugs.
