Witham: Drug dealer sentenced for cocaine supply

A young man is to be detained for three years after a Braintree Neighbourhood Policing Team investigation into cocaine supply in the Witham area.

Lorenc Lata, 19, was arrested by the team in Benton Close, Witham. Officers recovered 1.8kgs of cocaine in various formats, valued at up to £147,000, and a quantity of cannabis during a warrant, executed on 27 January.

Lata, who had previously admitted being concerned in the supply of cocaine, was committed to detention in a young offender institution for three years by a judge at Chelmsford Crown Court.

After the case, investigating officer PC Aris Sahin said:

“Those who profit from selling drugs help to damage lives and fuel violence in our neighbourhoods.
“They also put vulnerable people at risk and create fear where people deserve to feel safe.
“We will continue to pursue those involved and bring them before the courts. But we can’t do it without your help so if you have any information about the supply of drugs, or drug dealing, tell us. You can report information via our website, or anonymously to the independent Crimestoppers charity.”

The court heard on 26 May that Lata had been living in the house for a few months and, because of the quantity of drugs found, appeared to have been ‘a trusted member’ of the drugs line, in which he had played ‘a significant role’.

During a search of the property, officers recovered several blocks of cocaine, clearly destined for onward supply, plus much smaller amounts consistent with street deals, plus large bags of cannabis.

They also located several thousands of pounds in cash, drugs paraphernalia and several phones, one of which contained messages consistent with Class A drug supply.

The judge ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the drugs, forfeiture and destruction of the four phones and forfeiture of £3,700 cash seized and the payment of a £228 surcharge.

A second charge, of being concerned in the supply of cannabis, was ordered to remain on file after Lata denied it.