A gang member who supplied cocaine throughout Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge has been jailed after he fled the country last year.

In June, nine men received prison sentences between three and 15 years for their roles in an extensive supply network which was orchestrated from London.

Costel Lipou, 33, escaped the country during the initial police investigation, but yesterday he was sentenced to two years and six months in prison.

Between May and October 2018 the gang used one specific mobile phone number, which was based in Surrey Quays, London, to organise the supply of drugs into west Kent.

Users placed orders for cocaine by calling the number and confirming their postcode. Dealers living in rented accommodation in Tunbridge Wells would then dispatch drugs to their location.

During initial enquiries into the gang’s activities, Lipou's car was stopped in London Road, Southborough on June 13, 2018.

Around 30 wraps of cocaine were seized, along with phones linking him to the London number. He was released from custody, pending further investigation, but fled the country the following day.

On 23 January, Lipou, of Hobart Crescent, Willen Park, Milton Keynes, was arrested again, this time as he was about to board a plane from Luton airport to his native Romania.

He was charged with possessing cocaine with intent to supply and remanded in custody. He pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court before receiving his sentence.

Detective Constable Mark Froome said: "Lipou played a significant role in a criminal network which was generating more than £4m a year from the supply of around 50 kilograms of cocaine. "This investigation has been lengthy and complex, but it also demonstrates our determination to relentlessly pursue criminals like Lipou, regardless of how long they try and evade capture.

"He is the latest member of this gang to now face justice, but sadly won’t be the last dealer to target communities in these areas. I would like to reassure residents that those who do attempt to supply drugs in our towns can expect the same robust response. Your help continues to be vital in keeping our neighbourhoods safe. Always report any suspicious behaviour to police by calling 101, or 999 if it’s an emergency."

In June, Nelson Aliaj, 28, of no fixed address was convicted of conspiracy to supply cocaine and jailed for 15 years.

The other gang members, convicted of the same offence, received between three and seven years.

They were Rigels Hadushaj, 20, of Glashier Street, Deptford, Ervis Dervishi, 21, of no fixed address, Arlind Palushi, 19, of no fixed address, Alfred Gashi, 19, of Lodge Road, Southampton, Fatos Metalia, 23, of no fixed address, Marius Kuci, 25, of Lodge Road, Southampton and Arsid Mataj, 24, of no fixed address.

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Read more: All the latest news from Tunbridg Wells

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