Coke Dealer Caught in Maidstone Sting Jailed for Almost 3 Years
A cocaine dealer has been locked up after a slick undercover sting by Kent Police in Maidstone.
Undercover Cops Spot Deal in Palace Avenue
On 2 September 2019, plain-clothes officers spotted a suspected drug user approaching a car parked on a side road off Palace Avenue. The man leaned into the passenger window clutching a £20 note. When he spotted the officers, he quickly backed away, still holding the cash.
Inside the car, 22-year-old Edi Dalipaj was sat in the passenger seat. He was stopped for a drugs search and police found seven wraps of cocaine in a black pouch on his lap. Alongside the drugs, officers seized two mobile phones, £60 in cash on him, and a further £1,134 stashed around the car – including £885 hidden in the sun visor and £189 in loose change in the footwell.
Text Messages and Cash Seal the Deal
Examination of Dalipaj’s phones revealed texts related to drug dealing. The seven wraps of cocaine were valued between £2,800 and £4,200 on the streets.
Dalipaj, who has no fixed address, was arrested and charged with possession of cocaine with intent to supply.
Sentenced to 2 Years 8 Months – Cash Forfeited
He pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court on 4 September. On 25 November, he was handed a prison sentence of two years and eight months. The £1,134 in cash was confiscated by the court.
“Another dealer has found that coming to Maidstone to supply drugs will lead to a swift arrest,” said District Commander Chief Inspector Ray Quiller.
“My message to those seeking to commit crime in our town is simple; our plain clothes patrols and their colleagues in uniform will track you down and bring you to justice.
“Any cash or property we suspect to be the proceeds of crime will of course also be seized for later confiscation.”
