Dorset drug dealer jailed for 7 years
Daut Lulzim Danaj had fled the country after a 2016 investigation
A Dorset drug dealer who tried to evade justice by fleeing the country has been locked up for seven years.
Daut Lulzim Danaj, 47 and of no fixed abode, was found guilty in Septmebr of conspiring to supply a class A and class B controlled drug in a trial at Bournemouth Crown Court.
Police began investigating a criminal network supplying high purity cocaine and cannabis back in March 2016 - six men were jailed over that in 2018, with another locked-up in 2021 for involvement in the operation.
Four kilos of cocaine, three kilos of cannabis and dealer lists showing around £600,000 were recovered by officers.
Evidence showed Danaj was the wholesaler for the drugs and he was interviewed but subsequently left the country, being wanted since 2017.
He was eventually arrested in Essex in February this year when trying to return to the UK from the Netherlands and has now been handed a seven year prison sentence.
Dorset Police's DCI Jamie Halford said "Danaj fled the country in a bid to try and evade justice, but we have continued to pursue him since 2017 and he is now facing justice for his actions.
"We will relentlessly pursue anyone who tries to escape the justice system and will never give up on making sure that they are held accountable for their offending.
"Those involved in this case were part of a major drug supply operation that was generating a significant large income.
"Dorset is no place for drugs – we will continue to take action against illegal drug taking and the sale of drugs.
"Anyone with information about drug related activity in their area can report it online or by calling 101."