The investigation uncovered a criminal network of Western Balkans men operating six separate drug lines throughout Milton Keynes from April 2022 to November 2023. These lines sold Class A drugs – primarily cocaine – thousands of times each month to hundreds of customers.
In July 2023, six men were arrested for their involvement in the conspiracy to supply drugs. These individuals included Emiljano Bardhi, Eris Diva, Lorenc Kola, Admir Lala, Argys Hoxha, and Romarjo Agolli. During the raid, police seized 1.5kg of cocaine, drugs equipment, and nearly £10,000 in cash.
In November 2023, eight additional men, from Milton Keynes, London, and Sheffield, were arrested as part of the ongoing investigation. The individuals arrested in November included Festim Pisli, Zeqir Pisli, Mevlan Pisli, Leonsio Cara, Arnaldo Dedja, Burim Selita, Laers Katana, and Jozef Perzefi. During these arrests, officers seized another half kilogram of cocaine, more drugs paraphernalia, and nearly £50,000 in cash.
As a result of these arrests, the men were charged and sentenced at Southwark Crown Court in December 2023. Key sentences include:
Zeqir Pisli (30) from Wolverton: 13 years and 8 months
Festim Pisli (36) from Stony Stratford: 10 years and 3 months
Arnaldo Dedja (33) from Sheffield: 5 years and 8 months
Burim Selita (27) from Arnos Grove, London: 5 years and 7 months
Laers Katana (22) from Emerson Valley: 5 years and 7 months
Mevlan Pisli (39) from Newport Pagnell: 4 years and 2 months
Jozef Perzefi (21) from Neath Hill: 3 years
Leonsio Cara (28) from no fixed abode: 3 years
Several other defendants were sentenced at an earlier hearing in January 2024, including:
Eris Diva (24) from Wolverton: 3 years
Emiljano Bardhi (19) from Conniburrow: 2 years and 3 months
Romarjo Agolli (27) from Wolverton: 18 months
Admir Lala (43) from Neath Hill: 18 months
Ergys Hoxha (20) from Netherfield: 18 months
Lorenc Kola (30) from Barking, London: 16 months
The extensive police operation involved strategic arrests and coordinated raids, and the sentences reflect the significant role each member of the gang played in distributing cocaine across the region. Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Natalie Hall commended the diligent work of the officers involved, stating, “The fact that this investigation has led to 60 years’ imprisonment for 14 men is a testament to the officers who worked so hard compiling evidence and seeing justice over a two-year period.”
She further added, “We will continue to work with our partners and other agencies to bring to justice groups who seek only to profit from the production and distribution of illegal drugs, which bring misery and violence to others.”
The successful dismantling of this gang highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat organised crime and drug trafficking in the UK.