Ilirian Nezha, 24, has been sentenced to 16 months in prison for his role in supplying cocaine in Maldon, as Essex Police intensify efforts to tackle drug-related crime across the district.
Nezha, who has no fixed address in Chelmsford, was stopped by officers on October 4 at the junction of Green Lane, Mayland Hill, and Highlands Hill in Mayland. A search of his vehicle revealed a significant amount of cash and suspected drugs.
Further investigation of Nezha’s mobile phone uncovered messages linked to drug supply, which were used as evidence in court. In addition to his prison sentence, Nezha was ordered to forfeit £1,605 in cash, surrender his phone for destruction, and pay a £187 victim surcharge.
The conviction comes amid a busy week for Maldon’s neighbourhood policing teams. On December 15, officers seized cannabis and cash from a vehicle near Cold Norton, charging 20-year-old Finley Walsh of Chelmsford with possession of cannabis resin. He is due to appear at Colchester Magistrates’ Court in February 2026.
The following day, a vehicle stop in Cross Road, Maldon, led to the arrest of 31-year-old Petrakis Lano for possession of cocaine with intent to supply and driving without insurance. Lano has been remanded to appear at Chelmsford Crown Court in January 2026. Later, a 22-year-old man from West Bromwich was also arrested near Heybridge on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.
In the two years to November 30, 2025, Maldon neighbourhood policing officers have made 44 arrests for drug supply and cultivation offences, with 28 convictions resulting in a combined total of 50 years in prison, along with suspended sentences and fines.
Sergeant Matt Dalby highlighted the importance of community intelligence in these results and urged residents to report suspicious activity. He added that those involved in drug dealing are “probably already being targeted by police.”
