Crewe Drug Dealer Jailed After Cocaine Found in Shoe in Tunbridge Wells
A drug dealer from Crewe tried to pass himself off as a tourist in Tunbridge Wells — but police saw through the act. Adrian Badea, 27, was caught with cocaine hidden in his shoe. He has now been jailed.
Suspicious Tourist Act Ends in Arrest
On 23 March 2023, Tunbridge Wells Neighbourhood Task Force officers spotted Badea parked in a black BMW at Fountains Retail Park. He claimed to be on a sightseeing trip, having driven 223 miles from his Crewe home. But he had no hotel booked and was sleeping in his car — raising red flags. A search soon uncovered six bags of cocaine stashed in his shoe, along with cannabis and £130 in cash.
Organised Crime Links and Evidence Mount
Investigators revealed Badea was in contact with a third party via mobile phone. Texts contained postcode locations across west Kent, showing where to deliver cocaine to local users. Officers established he was travelling between towns to deal drugs as part of an organised crime gang.
Two Years and Four Months Behind Bars
Badea, of Hankins Heys Lane, Crewe, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply cocaine, possession of cannabis, and driving without insurance. Maidstone Crown Court handed him a prison sentence of two years and four months on 14 January 2025.
“It’s always pleasing to hear from genuine tourists who are keen to enjoy Tunbridge Wells. Sadly, Badea wasn’t one of them. His phone showed instructions from a third party to deliver drugs to multiple west Kent locations,” said Sergeant Ed Kavanagh of Kent Police.
“This latest conviction highlights how effective our officers are at catching dealers targeting our area—many wrongly assume Tunbridge Wells is a soft touch.”
Kent Police urge the public to report any suspicious activity as they continue their crackdown on drug crime in the region.
