British authorities have sentenced four Albanian nationals for their involvement in an organized drug trafficking network, mainly dealing in cocaine, operating in South Cumbria, near the border with Scotland.
The convicted individuals are:
- Erald Sulaj, 22, from Boreham Wood – 33 months in prison
- Ergys Elezi, 22, of no fixed address – 30 months in prison
- Sokratis Lleshaj, 21, from Barrow – 24 months in prison
- Perlat Hamza, 36, from Barrow – 32 months in prison
A fifth individual, Egzon Doci, 31, from Harrow, had been sentenced earlier. After completing his prison term, he was deported to Albania, authorities confirmed.
Investigation and Arrests
The investigation began on March 14, when police in Barrow-in-Furness observed two suspicious individuals in Storey Square. During the intervention, Egzon Doci attempted to flee and threw an object onto a rooftop, which was later found to contain cocaine.
A search of his residence on Rawlinson Street led to the seizure of illegal drugs, cash, and drug-packaging materials. Further arrests followed, including Sokratis Lleshaj and Perlat Hamza, during which police confiscated bags of cocaine and significant amounts of cash.
On July 21, 2025, Erald Sulaj and Ergys Elezi were stopped on the M1 motorway in Northamptonshire, linking them to the same trafficking network. Searches of their addresses in Kingston-upon-Thames uncovered approximately 3 kilograms of cocaine, valued at up to £9,000, along with more than £20,000 in cash.
Organized Criminal Network Uncovered
The investigation exposed a coordinated supply network distributing cocaine across South Cumbria and other parts of the United Kingdom. British authorities said the sentences reflect the seriousness of the offenses and reaffirm their commitment to dismantling organized drug-trafficking groups operating nationwide.