A seasoned criminal involved in a wide scale drug dealing operation in Essex has been jailed.

Alfons Kojku, 37, of Peterborough, was stopped by police in Maldon in January 2023, where he and his wife were found with £690 in cash and £1,150 worth of cocaine.

The prolific criminal was once again arrested in May last year, while awaiting sentence.

His car was tracked by Police on the A14 near Newmarket, and was found in possession of two mobile phones and some cash.

While he was under arrest for being concerned in the supply of drugs, officers reviewed data on his mobile phones, finding evidence linking him to the supply of cocaine in Suffolk.

Kojku was then charged with being concerned in the supply of cocaine and driving a motor vehicle whilst otherwise in accordance with a license.

This investigation was then linked to a previous arrest in Essex, where Kojku had not been charged.

Working alongside Essex Police, Suffolk Police officers charged Kojku with being concerned in the supply of cocaine and another charge of possession with intent to supply cocaine.

Ipswich crown court heard how Kojku had been trying to pay off £95,000 in debts he owed to people smugglers.

He'd also told officers he was being exploited and was part of a scheme to support victims of modern slavery.

Mark Halsey, prosecuting, said Kojku had "a significant role with full understanding and awareness of the scale of the operation.

"He involved his wife in the operation, holding drugs worth more than £1,000."

Defence Barrister, Stephen Bailey said Kojku was "made to sell and courier drugs on behalf of traffickers".

Kojku pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced to a total of five years imprisonment. The court also ordered forfeitures of £2,010 cash that had been seized by the police.