Man 'instrumental in criminal network' supplying cocaine in Kent jailed

A man responsible for "orchestrating" the supply of cocaine in West Kent through a network of phone lines and drug runners has been jailed.

Serjgo Rica, who is 25 and formerly of Clay Avenue, Mitcham, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine as well as two counts of possessing cannabis with intent to supply.

Kent Police said he was "instrumental in a criminal network" that operated "on a significant scale."

An investigation by Kent Police found that Rica was part of an organised criminal gang which arranged delivery of drugs into Tunbridge Wells.

He was first arrested in May 2019 after being stopped in a vehicle by officers in Mountfield Gardens.

The first arrest led to the seizure of two mobile phones containing evidence of hundreds of complete deals, including messages directing local runners to drop off deliveries.

Detectives later found that Rica had used these same phones to call insurance and utilities companies and confirmed his name and address while speaking to them.

Rica was arrested a second time in June 2020 - this time being found with 12 bags of cocaine and more than £1,500 in cash.

At Maidstone Crown Court, Rica was sentenced to four years and ten months’ imprisonment.

 Two accomplices were jailed in May of last year, alongside a further five men identified as drug runners.

Detective Constable Katy Saunders said: "Rica was instrumental in a criminal network designed to supply as much cocaine to as many users as possible.

"He occupied a leading role in the conspiracy by directing and organising the sale and supply of drugs on a significant scale."

"Drugs fuel crime and exploitation and this latest sentence should act as a reminder that we remain determined to pursue and bring to justice those intent on supplying and targeting our communities."