Cocaine dealer jailed following proactive stop in Tunbridge Wells

A bike-riding cocaine dealer has been jailed after a Kent Police officer spotted him cycling with no lights in Tunbridge Wells.

Alexandre Bogalho was sentenced to 2 years and 6 months' imprisonment after a constable recognised him following information received by the force.

At around 10.25pm on 21 August 2026, the officer indicated for Bogalho to stop in St John's Road after suspecting him of being concerned in the supply of cocaine to the area.

Bogalho came to a stop in a nearby shop car park.

During a conversation with the officer, he claimed he had travelled to the shop to buy food, but the digital navigation app on his phone showed a different onward destination.

After giving a number of false accounts as reasons for being in the area, he was detained for a search.

Prior to this, Bogalho told the officer he had ‘five or less’ wraps of cocaine for personal use.

The search later led to the seizure of 6 packets of white powder from the drug dealer’s underwear and a review of his mobile phone revealed messages consistent with drug supply.

Sentenced

Bogalho, of Powder Mill Lane, was charged with being concerned in the supply of cocaine and possession with intent to supply cocaine.

The 49 year old Spanish national pleaded guilty to the offences and was sentenced following a hearing at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday 30 October 2026.

PC John Cockrill said:

‘Kent Police officers are specially trained to spot suspicious behaviour and are regularly briefed with local intelligence reports to help them stay abreast of crime in their area. ‘On this occasion, the constable recalled recent reports of a suspected drug dealer riding a bicycle in Tunbridge Wells town centre and set about investigating Bogalho as the opportunity presented itself. ‘Drugs are a blight on society, with dealers taking advantage of some of the most vulnerable members of Kent’s communities for nothing more than their own greed and financial gain. ‘We are pleased Bogalho will be locked up and unable to supply drugs to the area for some time.’