A drug dealer who hid cocaine in a magnetic box in his car has been jailed.

Aloisios Varthalitis was stopped by police while driving a Fiat Punto in Trench Road, Tonbridge.

Police searched his vehicle after suspecting the 24-year-old was involved in the supply of drugs.

They found a magnetic box under the driver’s side door which had nine bags of cocaine in it.

Varthalitis was arrested on April 17, 2022 and officers seized £320 in cash and two mobile phones, which had text messages on it relating to drug deals in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge.

When searching his home, police found another magnetic box containing a bag of cocaine.

The seized drugs had an estimated street value of £400.

Varthalitis, of Grosvenor Road, Tunbridge Wells, was later charged with possessing cocaine with intent to supply and possession of criminal property, namely the seized cash.

He pleaded guilty to both counts at Maidstone Crown Court and on Monday 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."