Drug dealer who claimed to be a tourist jailed
Kent PoliceA drug dealer who claimed he had travelled more than 200 miles (321km) to do a sightseeing tour of towns in south-east England has been jailed.
Adrian Badea, from Crewe in Cheshire, was stopped in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, as he sat in a black BMW linked to suspicious activity in March 2023, Kent Police said.
The 27-year-old told officers he was visiting the town and coastal spots nearby for eight days and had been sleeping in his car.
When he was being arrested on suspicion of being involved in drug supply, he admitted having cocaine and cannabis with him.
Officers discovered six bags of cocaine in Badea's shoe, cannabis and £130 in cash.
A search revealed he was actually operating as a dealer for an organised crime group, according to Kent Police.
He pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine with intent to supply, possession of cannabis and driving without insurance.
On Tuesday, he was sentenced to two years and four months in prison at Maidstone Crown Court.
Sgt Ed Kavanagh, from Kent Police, said: "It's always pleasing to hear from genuine tourists who are keen to visit and enjoy the many delights of Tunbridge Wells.
"Sadly, Badea wasn't one of them."
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