Drug dealer hid cocaine in lay-by bin

A drug dealer who hid a stash of cocaine in a lay-by bin and gave police a false name has been jailed.

Police were on patrol in Ely on 24 June when they spotted Ditjon Hoxha parked up in the layby on the A142 near Barway.

They recognised the vehicle, a black Vauxhall Mokka, as one that had previously failed to stop in the area.

Officers initially searched the 29-year-old from Mount Ephraim Road, London, and the hire vehicle but didn’t find anything untoward.

They then searched the nearby bin after recalling Hoxha putting items inside as they arrived. Inside they found 35 bags of cocaine with a street value of £1,400.

In custody they also discovered he had initially given a false name and had no driving licence or insurance.

At Cambridge Crown Court today (6 August), Hoxha was sentenced to two years and four months in prison after previously pleading guilty to possession with intent to supply cocaine. He was also disqualified from driving for 18 months and must take an extended re-test.

Detective Constable Anderson-Chapman, who investigated, said: “We continue to seek out those who come into our county to deal drugs. Drug dealing is often a gateway to a cascade of other crimes including violence which is not welcome among our communities.”

If you suspect drug dealing happening where you live, report it online.