Erion Hoxha, 25, of Beech Road, Ipswich, was sentenced to 28 months in prison at Ipswich Crown Court on Friday 16 March. He pleaded guilty to possession of drugs with intent to supply, possession of an identity document with improper intention, assaulting a police officer, and possession of criminal property.
The incident began just before midday on Sunday 12 February when police officers on patrol stopped Hoxha’s blue Audi after discovering the vehicle was uninsured. Hoxha claimed the car belonged to a friend but resisted arrest violently. During the struggle, one officer sustained a cut hand and bruised arm.
Officers found 19 wraps of cocaine hidden inside a sock and nearly £300 in cash during the stop. A subsequent search of Hoxha’s home uncovered two mobile phones and an additional 19 wraps of cocaine.
Investigations into the mobile phones revealed messages linking Hoxha to a large drug supply operation. On 11 February alone, his phone was used to arrange 26 separate drug deals, distributing 39 bags of cocaine and receiving payments totaling £1,535.
Sgt Dave Logan from the South Sentinel team commented: “This all started with a good spot on an uninsured car. That led us to unravel a significant drug dealing operation and shut it down. Drugs disproportionally harm Suffolk’s vulnerable communities. We are determined to tackle supply and protect the public. Assaults on officers will not be tolerated – it is good to see the courts handing down sentences for these offences.”
The police have urged the community to report any suspicious drug activity. Members of the public can contact police on 101 or anonymously report information to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Originally published by UKNIP.
