A Dorset drug dealer who attempted to evade justice by fleeing the country has been sentenced to seven years in prison.
Daut Lulzim Danaj, 47, of no fixed address, was convicted in September 2025 at Bournemouth Crown Court for conspiring to supply class A and class B drugs, including cocaine and cannabis.
Police first investigated the criminal network in March 2016, which had supplied high-purity cocaine and cannabis across Dorset. Six men were jailed in 2018, with another imprisoned in 2021 for involvement in the operation. During the investigation, officers recovered four kilos of cocaine, three kilos of cannabis, and dealer lists showing potential earnings of around £600,000.
Evidence showed that Danaj acted as a wholesaler for the drugs. Following his initial interview, he fled the UK in 2017. He was eventually arrested in Essex in February 2025 while attempting to return from the Netherlands.
DCI Jamie Halford of Dorset Police commented:
“Danaj fled the country in a bid to evade justice, but we have continued to pursue him since 2017. Those involved in this case were part of a major drug supply operation generating significant income. Dorset is no place for drugs, and we will continue to take action against illegal drug taking and sales.”
Dorset Police urged the public to report any information about drug-related activity online or by calling 101.
