A drug dealer has been jailed after police discovered cocaine hidden inside the steering column of a moped in Tunbridge Wells.
Victor Pereria Da Luz, 26, of Walden Avenue, Chislehurst, was stopped by plain-clothed officers on 4 June 2025 after they noticed the vehicle being driven erratically in Crawford Close.
When officers approached, Pereria Da Luz appeared nervous and tried to lock his mobile phone. A search of the moped under the Misuse of Drugs Act revealed several screws missing from a front panel near the steering column.
On closer inspection, officers removed the panel and uncovered a black sock containing 12 vials of cocaine, along with almost £900 in cash.
Pereria Da Luz was arrested and later charged with possession of cocaine with intent to supply and possession of criminal property. He also admitted to driving without a licence or insurance.
At Maidstone Crown Court on Monday, August 11, he pleaded guilty and was sentenced to two years and seven months in prison.
Sergeant Ed Kavanagh, of the Tunbridge Wells Neighbourhood Task Force, praised the vigilance of officers, saying:
“Drug dealers like Pereria Da Luz frequently use vehicles to conceal cocaine and other illicit substances, often utilising increasingly elaborate hiding places. However, our officers are trained to spot the signs and use their expert knowledge, keen instincts and evolving search tactics to consistently identify suspects and uncover their stashes. Every successful search is a step closer to dismantling the networks that fuel drug-related harm in our communities.”
