A Maidstone drug dealer who stashed cocaine behind a tree outside his home has been jailed.

Besar Cubaj was caught with 52 wraps of cocaine – worth an estimated £6,000 – 11 of which were hidden in a zip packet in foliage.

On 2 June 2025, proactive patrols spotted a suspicious vehicle in Bower Mount Road. Cubaj arrived a short time later and got into the rear passenger seat to complete a drug deal.

Officers arrested Cubaj, who was found to be in possession of a phone, £200 cash and a small key.

The key opened a padlock to the front door of a nearby flat. Cubaj initially denied living there, but later admitted he had been selling drugs as he couldn’t find anywhere to live.

Following his admission, he handed over the wraps of cocaine and nearly £2,000 cash earned as proceeds of crime. He also led the officers to a second secret stash he had hidden behind a tree outside the front of the property.

Sentenced

Cubaj, of Tonbridge Road, was charged with possession with intent to supply cocaine and possession of criminal property, namely cash.

The 28 year old pleaded guilty and was sentenced to two years and nine months’ imprisonment at Maidstone Crown Court on 14 November 2025.

Investigating officer, PC Callum Tuckett, said:

‘Cubaj turned to selling drugs as a means to fund his lifestyle, with little thought to the consequences of doing so. ‘Drug dealers take advantage of users’ addictions, but the money they make often funds organised criminality. ‘Adding to the problem, users commit petty crime to fund their drug habit and are subsequently more likely to commit crimes while under the influence. ‘We are pleased that Cubaj will be off the streets and unable to exploit vulnerable members of the community for some time.’

Source: Kent Police