Final Gang Member Locked Up for £4m Cocaine Ring in Tunbridge Wells
A tenth member of a ruthless cocaine gang feeding Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge has finally been jailed. Back in June 2019, nine men were handed hefty prison terms, ranging from three to 15 years, for running a major drugs network from London.
Now, Costel Lipou, who fled the country during the original probe, has been caught and sentenced to two-and-a-half years behind bars.
London Phone Number Ran Drugs into West Kent
Between May and October 2018, the gang used a single mobile number based in Surrey Quays, London, to organise their dirty deliveries. Customers dialled in, confirmed their postcode, and dealers living in rented homes around Tunbridge Wells dispatched the cocaine.
Detectives from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate pieced together the operation, leading to massive arrests in June 2019. All members were convicted of conspiracy to supply cocaine, including:
- Nelson Aliaj, 28, no fixed address – 15 years
- Ervis Dervishi, 21, no fixed address – 6 years 9 months
- Arlind Palushi, 19, no fixed address – 6 years 6 months
Lipou’s Dramatic Escape and Capture
Lipou was caught red-handed in June 2018 when police stopped his car in Southborough and found around 30 wraps of cocaine plus phones linked to the London number. Released pending further checks, he vanished the very next day.
He stayed on the run until January 2020, when he was arrested at Luton Airport as he tried to fly back to Romania. The 33-year-old from Milton Keynes pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court and was sentenced on 5 March 2020.
Police Vow to Keep Battling Drugs Gangs
Detective Constable Mark Froome said: “Lipou played a significant role in a criminal network generating over £4 million a year from around 50 kilograms of cocaine. This was a lengthy, complex investigation, but it shows we will chase criminals like Lipou no matter how long they hide.
He’s the latest to face justice, but sadly, not the last dealer targeting local communities. We want to reassure residents that anyone trying to supply drugs around here will face the same tough response. Your help is crucial to keeping our streets safe.”
He urged the public to report suspicious activity by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency.
