Two suspected drug dealers arrested in west Kent

Ongoing efforts to tackle drug dealing in west Kent have seen officers arrest two suspects in Tonbridge and West Malling.

Proactive patrols in Tonbridge spotted a suspicious vehicle in Bishops Oak Ride at around 4pm on Wednesday 19 February 2025. Following a short pursuit, the car came to a stop in the High Street and a man was arrested in connection to drugs offences.

Later searches led to the seizure of a knife, as well as quantities of cocaine, cannabis, and cash.

Charged

Abas Uruci, of Exbury Road in Catford, London, has now been charged with possession of an offensive weapon, possession with intent to supply cocaine, possession with intent to supply cannabis, possession of criminal property, and driving without insurance.

The 59 year old has since been bailed after pleading not guilty at a hearing at Medway Magistrates’ Court on 21 February. Mr Uruci is next due to appear before Maidstone Crown Court on 21 March.

Arrested

Later the same day, at around 11.30pm, officers spotted a second suspicious vehicle at a petrol station on the A20 near West Malling. The BMW reportedly left the scene when officers ordered it to stop.

Patrols pursued the car until it came to a stop in Teston Road, where a 26 year old man was arrested.

Subsequent searches, assisted by PD Charlie and PD Wilson, led to the seizure of a quantity of cocaine, several nitrous oxide cannisters, cannabis, drug paraphernalia, and cash.

The suspect has since been bailed pending further enquiries.

Chief Inspector Mark Stubberfield said:

‘Drugs have a far-reaching detrimental impact on our communities, but the perpetrators of drugs-related crimes care only about lining their own pockets. ‘We continue our efforts to proactively tackle drug trafficking in west Kent by remaining vigilant for suspicious behaviour, identifying vehicles known to be involved in drugs offences, carrying out stops and searches, and ensuring visible policing even in rural areas of the county.’