Medway drug dealer ordered to pay £11,560

A Medway woman who was caught making money from dealing drugs in her car has had more than £11,000 confiscated.

On Sunday 5 November 2023, Kent Police officers stopped a car in Lower Rainham Road in Gillingham, suspected to be involved in drug supply. During a search of the vehicle, police found deal bags of cocaine, four mobile phones and £235 in cash.

The driver, Naomi Coates, was arrested and more drugs were located hidden in her clothing.

A further search, at Coates’ home in Sundridge Hill, Cuxton, uncovered more cocaine and around £9,700 in cash hidden in a wardrobe.

Coates was charged with possession of cocaine with intent to supply and possession of criminal property (cash).

Sentenced

The 26 year old admitted the offences and was given a two-year custodial sentence, which was suspended for two years when she appeared at Maidstone Crown Court on 13 February 2026.

Confiscation order

The case returned to court on 9 October after a confiscation order was made against Coates. Financial investigators identified that she had benefited by around £200,000 from her criminal lifestyle and that £11,560 was still available.

She was ordered to pay back the available funds within 30 days or face six months in prison.

Detective Inspector David Godfrey said:

‘The image of making lots of cash through committing crime can often be a myth as we will always scrutinise offenders’ finances upon their arrest. ‘Investigators will look not just for evidence of carrying out a crime, but if money has been made by doing so. If there are funds, every effort is made to deprive the offender of them so they cannot benefit. Naomi Coates hid her money at home which was then seized by officers. Now she has been left counting the cost of drug dealing.’