Cocaine Dealer Caught Red-Handed in Maidstone Sting
A cocaine dealer has landed behind bars after a slick police operation in Maidstone. On 2 September 2019, plain-clothes officers spotted a suspected drug user approaching a car on a service road off Palace Avenue.
The man was seen leaning into the passenger window with a £20 note in hand. Spotting the cops, he quickly backed away – but the damage was done.
Drugs and Cash Found in Car Search
Edi Dalipaj, 22, was caught sitting in the passenger seat. Police searched him and found seven wraps of cocaine in a black pouch on his lap. Alongside the drugs were a mobile phone and £60 cash.
Officers also uncovered £885 hidden in the sun visor and £189 in loose change from a bag in the footwell. A second phone was found in the centre console. Both devices revealed text messages linked to drug dealing.
Street Value of Seized Drugs Tops £4,000
The cocaine’s street value was estimated between £2,800 and £4,200. Dalipaj, with no fixed address, was arrested and charged with possessing cocaine with intent to supply.
He pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court on 4 September. On 25 November, he was handed a tough sentence of two years and eight months behind bars. The total £1,134 cash found was also confiscated.
Police Chief Issues Warning to Dealers
“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 suspected to be proceeds of crime will also be seized for later confiscation.”
