Stoke-on-Trent: Two young Albanians jailed over cocaine, 10,700 pounds hidden in TV unit

Two young Albanians have been jailed in England for possession of cocaine with intent to supply, Staffordshire Police said, according to a Top Channel report on Sunday.

The stop in Boothen

According to police, a patrol in the Boothen area of Stoke-on-Trent stopped a black Mercedes driven by Mikele Bilali, 26, after the way it was being driven caught officers’ attention. Ervin Hasa, 25, approached the car and spoke to Bilali, and was also arrested. Phones linked to Bilali contained messages about drug dealing, along with the keys to a flat used by Hasa.

Police found 19 small bags of cocaine on Hasa. In the flat, about 10,700 pounds were hidden in a Gucci bag inside the TV unit, another 1,000 pounds in a video game box, and more than 210 bags of cocaine. Bilali, meanwhile, had hidden 11 bags in his trousers while in custody.

The sentences

In total, 241 bags of cocaine with a street value of about 9,500 pounds and more than 11,900 pounds in cash were seized. Both initially declined to answer questions but were later charged and pleaded guilty. On Oct. 2, at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, Hasa was sentenced to 3 years in prison for possession of cocaine with intent to supply and possession of criminal property, while Bilali received 1 year and 10 months, including for driving without a license and without insurance.

Chief Inspector Steve Morrey of the police’s specialist crime department said they will keep pursuing those involved in drug dealing in the area.