Drug dealer’s parking roused suspicion of Tunbridge Wells officers

A drug dealer has been jailed after officers patrolling the streets around Tunbridge Wells spotted his car parked in an unusual position.

On Tuesday 25 July 2023, constables in plain clothes were in Harmony Street, Rusthall, where their attention was drawn to a man sitting alone in a Nissan.

The vehicle was stopped in a remote area, away from any homes, shops or obvious dog walking routes. Officers approached it on foot and suspicions were further raised when the nervous driver told them he was waiting for his girlfriend but couldn’t recall where she lived.

The driver was identified as Justin Kola and detained for a search. This led officers to seize 23 wraps of cocaine, a mobile phone and around £65 in cash.

Kola was arrested and taken into custody. The drugs were analysed and found to have an estimated street value of around £2,000.

Kola, 28, of no fixed address, was later charged with possession of class A drugs with intent to supply.

He pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court and on Thursday 7 December was sentenced to 20 months’ imprisonment.

No let-up

Sergeant Ed Kavanagh, of the Tunbridge Wells Neighbourhood Task Force, said: 'This sentence is just the latest of several recent successful convictions of drug dealers who have tried to target Tunbridge Wells. 'It illustrates just how effective our officers continue to be in identifying offenders, many of whom are travelling from other areas of the country, assuming we are a soft touch. ‘I’d like to reassure residents that we will continue to deal robustly with anyone involved in the supply of drugs, to ensure that they get the punishment they deserve. There will be no let-up.’