Police Seize £750,000 Cash

Links to Class A drugs in Kent

Two criminals with links to the supply of Class A drugs in Kent have been ordered to forfeit almost £750,000 in cash seized by police during a search warrant at their home.

The money was discovered wrapped in plastic bundles and kept in several supermarket ‘bags for life’ after officers forced entry to the property in London.

The flat in Redcliffe Street, Kensington, was searched during a proactive operation by the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, on 2 March 2021.

The cash was found in a bedroom with amounts written on individual bundles, showing how the money had been divided.  

More than 100 wraps of cocaine were also seized from the property and a nearby parked car, and two men found staying at the address were arrested. 

Milan Kosoric, 26, and Pero Mitrovic, 35, would later plead guilty at Maidstone Crown Court to money laundering offences. Kosoric also admitted a charge of possessing cocaine with intent to supply.

Forfeiture not contested

With both men remanded in custody and awaiting sentencing, Kent Police made a forfeiture application under the Proceeds of Crime Act relating to the cash seized, which totalled £745,087.

The application, which did not have to be heard before a court, was successful and not contested by either of the offenders. 

Detective Superintendent Patrick Milford, for Major Economic and Cyber Crime, said:
‘The vast amounts of cash seized were clearly indicative of an organised criminal gang operating drug supply networks into Kent and beyond.‘The significant amounts these men have now been ordered to give up again demonstrates just how important the Proceeds of Crime Act continues to be. This legislation is vital in our work to prevent criminals benefiting from their crimes and it is frequently used to claw back illegal gains long after offenders have been sentenced and even released from prison.‘Kent Police will receive a significant amount of the money forfeited through the Home Office Asset Recovery Incentivisation Scheme. This will be money which importantly can be immediately invested back into policing our communities.'

More from WEST KENT NEWS

  • Is It Devolution?

    Audio

    The Green Party County Councillor for Tonbridge, Mark Hood, has attacked the government's planned council changes as a "concentration of power".

  • Lib Dems Disagree Over Changes

    Audio

    The Liberal Democrat Leader of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, Ben Chapelard, has welcomed as "exciting" aspects of the radical changes planned for Kent's local government.

  • Southborough Heritage Site

    The 16th Century "Weavers" building which was most recently a tea room, pub and restaurant is set to be converted into a family home.

  • Council Abolition Criticised

    Audio

    The Conservative leader of Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, Matt Boughton, has said Labour's planned reorganisation of local government is "deeply regrettable".

  • Council Reform Q & A

    The Labour government's scheme to abolish borough councils is explained.

  • Protests at Council Changes

    The Conservative Controlled Kent County Council has voted to ask the Labour government to cancel the local elections set to be held in May.

  • Spa Valley Rail Appeal

    The Tunbridge Wells heritage railway says it needs to raise £300,000 to replace a corroded bridge.

  • Pembury set to get 200 new homes

    There's concern about traffic gridlock if two new housing developments in Pembury go ahead.

On Air Now Through The Night 1:00am - 7:00am

COMING UP

  • Chris Manser

    7:00am - 10:00am

    West Kent Breakfast sponsored by Berry & Lamberts

  • Lynn Briggs

    10:00am - 1:00pm

    West Kent Today