Why it matters: Nadir Elezaj, of no fixed address, was sentenced to 39 months' detention in a Young Offender Institution after being linked to cannabis worth approximately £12,500.
The details: Elezaj appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday 25 April, where he received a 12-month detention for Suffolk offences, to be served consecutively to a 27-month detention for crimes in Merseyside.
The Suffolk offences included being concerned in the supply of cannabis, possession with intent to supply, possession of a counterfeit document, and possession of criminal property—cash valued at £2,260.
His Merseyside convictions were for production of cannabis and abstracting electricity.
How it happened: On 19 May 2024, Sentinel South officers spotted Elezaj riding a mountain bike on London Road in Ipswich. When approached, he fled "at speed", riding onto pavements and swerving across the road before taking a towpath alongside the river.
Officers positioned themselves ahead on the path at Princes Street, prompting Elezaj to abandon his bicycle and flee on foot. He was quickly apprehended, and a search of the towpath revealed cannabis pouches apparently thrown into bushes.
The investigation: Following arrest, Elezaj claimed to have arrived in Ipswich the previous day with no local address.
Police enquiries at a nearby bicycle retailer led officers to premises on Wherstead Road. During a search authorised by the landlord, officers discovered Elezaj's ID card in the attic room, alongside a counterfeit Romanian driving licence showing his photo but under a different name.
A total of 301 re-sealable pouches of cannabis were found at the address, along with over £2,220 in cash. The estimated value of all cannabis seized was around £12,500.
What happened next: Elezaj was released on conditional police bail but failed to comply with requirements to reside at youth accommodation in Kent and report to his local police station.
On 21 February 2025, Merseyside Police discovered him in a cannabis factory, leading to additional charges. He was remanded in custody for both the Merseyside offences and those committed in Suffolk.
What they're saying: Sergeant Dave Logan of the Sentinel South Team said: "Nadir Elezaj has shown his clear contempt for the justice system, as after being caught by ourselves for drugs offences in Suffolk, he failed to comply with his bail conditions and relocated himself to Merseyside where his offending continued.
"He was located as a result of proactive raids targeting organised crime gangs and we are grateful to our colleagues at Merseyside Police for locating him and bringing him to justice."
The bottom line: This case demonstrates the cross-county collaboration between police forces to apprehend drug offenders who attempt to evade justice by relocating.
