A taxi driver and his passenger have been jailed for drug trafficking after they were caught attempting to discard a bag full of cocaine during a police stop on the Cleddau Bridge.
Pajtim Meta, 26, from Northampton, and Albert Nikolla, also 26, from London, were involved in trafficking cocaine between Northampton and Milford Haven. Nikolla pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply and being involved in the supply of cocaine. He also admitted a separate cocaine possession charge related to an incident in London on June 9, 2023. Meta denied all charges, but after a short jury deliberation, he was convicted of possession with intent to supply and being involved in the supply of cocaine.
Prosecutor Caitlin Brazel told the court that Nikolla was arrested in London after officers observed him acting suspiciously in his car. A search found 37 wraps of cocaine, weighing 19 grams, with an estimated street value of between £1,110 and £1,850.
On January 18, Meta’s taxi was stopped near the Cleddau Bridge during routine checks by Dyfed-Powys Police. As Meta pulled over, Nikolla fled the vehicle, discarding a bag for life containing 1,001 grams of cocaine, worth between £57,200 and £85,800. Both men were arrested.
Meta initially claimed he didn’t know Nikolla and had never been to Pembrokeshire. However, ANPR checks revealed Meta had made nine trips from Northampton to Milford Haven, and he later admitted he had transported Nikolla on each occasion, initially lying out of fear of a lengthy prison sentence.
Nikolla’s defense argued that he had no prior convictions and had been smuggled into the UK illegally. He had hoped for a better life but ended up involved with a criminal organization in the UK. Meta’s defense highlighted his previously good character and efforts to better himself in prison.
Nikolla received a sentence of four years and three months, while Meta was jailed for five years.
