A drug dealer is starting a prison sentence after Tonbridge officers found cocaine hidden in a magnetic box on his car.
On 17 April 2022, constables from the town’s community policing team stopped a Fiat Punto in Trench Road, driven by Aloisios Varthalitis.
Suspecting Varthalitis was involved in the supply of drugs, they searched his vehicle and found a magnetic box under the driver’s side door. It contained nine bags of cocaine.
Cash seized
The officers also seized £320 in cash and two mobile phones, and Varthalitis was arrested.
When his home was searched a further magnetic box containing another bag of cocaine was recovered.
The seized drugs had an estimated street value of £400 and, when examined, the phones were found to contain multiple text messages relating to drug supply in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge.
Varthalitis, of Grosvenor Road, Tunbridge Wells was later charged with possessing cocaine with intent to supply and possession of criminal property (the seized cash).
Guilty plea
The 24-year-old pleaded guilty to both counts at Maidstone Crown Court and on Monday 23 January 2023, was sentenced to two years and eleven months’ imprisonment. His car and the seized cash were also forfeited.
Police Investigator Amanda Lissenden, of Maidstone CID, said: ‘Another dealer who has brought misery to the streets of west Kent towns is quite rightly starting a prison sentence.
‘Our local police officers are relentless in their efforts to track down these criminals and, as shown in this case, will complete comprehensive searches to find their drugs – wherever they are hidden.’