Taxi Driver and Passenger Sentenced for Drug Trafficking Operation

A taxi driver and his passenger have been sentenced to prison for their involvement in a drug trafficking operation that spanned from Northampton to Milford Haven in Wales. Pajtim Meta, a 26-year-old taxi driver, and Albert Nikolla, also 26, were caught trying to discard a large quantity of cocaine when their vehicle was stopped by police on the Cleddau Bridge.

The drugs seized included a block of cocaine weighing over one kilogram, with an estimated value of up to £85,000. Both individuals were arrested and later convicted of drug trafficking offences. Meta denied the charges initially but was found guilty of possession with intent to supply cocaine and involvement in its distribution after a quick jury deliberation.

Incident Overview

On January 18, 2023, Meta’s taxi was stopped by Dyfed-Powys Police as part of a routine traffic check. During the stop, Nikolla attempted to flee the scene and discarded a bag containing 1,001 grams of cocaine. The drugs were estimated to be worth between £57,200 and £85,800 in street sales. Both suspects were arrested at the scene.

The cocaine seized in the operation was just part of a larger operation that had begun with a previous arrest. Nikolla was first apprehended in London in June 2023 after officers found 37 wraps of cocaine in his car. This amounted to 19 grams of cocaine, worth between £1,110 and £1,850.

Previous Arrest and Background of the Defendants

Nikolla, originally from Albania, had arrived in the UK illegally and sought a better life, eventually becoming involved with the same criminal group that smuggled him into the country. His lawyer explained that he had not intended to be involved in drug trafficking but was drawn into it due to his association with the criminal organization.

Nikolla’s lawyer stated:

"It wasn’t Mr Nikolla’s intention to become involved in drug dealing when he arrived in the UK, but had become involved through the same criminal organisation which had smuggled him into the country."

Meta, from Northampton, worked as a taxi driver since 2018. His defence lawyer argued that Meta, who had no prior criminal record, had lied to police because he feared the consequences of the drug trafficking charges. Initially claiming he did not know Nikolla and had never been to Pembrokeshire, Meta later admitted to making multiple trips with Nikolla between Northampton and Milford Haven.

Meta’s lawyer stated:

"Meta, who was of previous good character before this offending, was not engaging in drug taking in prison and demonstrated a real determination to better himself."

Investigation and Conviction

The case against both defendants was built upon surveillance footage, drug seizures, and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) checks. Meta’s taxi was tracked making nine trips from Northampton to Milford Haven, which he initially denied. However, once presented with the evidence, Meta admitted his involvement.

Prosecutor Caitlin Brazel outlined the details of the arrests and evidence during the trial. Both defendants were convicted of drug trafficking-related charges, and their sentences reflect the severity of their crimes.

Legal Proceedings and Sentencing

Nikolla's sentencing reflected his role in the operation and his history of immigration offences. While his lawyer argued that Nikolla was a trained veterinary surgeon who had been coerced into criminal activities, the court handed down a substantial sentence. Meta’s sentence of five years in prison reflects his role in facilitating the drug trafficking operation.

Both individuals' actions contributed to a significant drug trafficking operation in the UK, leading to their convictions and lengthy sentences for drug-related crimes.