An asylum seeker who claimed he was 'unable to work' has been jailed for running a drugs line in Rugeley, Staffordshire. Mariglen Malaj, 26, was sentenced to two years and nine months in prison after being caught dealing cocaine.
Arrest and Evidence
Undercover officers spotted Malaj supplying drugs on Fernwood Drive in December last year. He was found carrying two wraps of cocaine, £1,000 in cash, and two mobile phones. A search of a property revealed a further 27 wraps of cocaine, £1,500 in cash, and an Albanian driving licence. The total street value of the drugs was estimated at up to £1,500.
Court Proceedings
Malaj claimed he was 'directed to supply drugs' by others who provided him with accommodation. Crown prosecutor Mr Adam Watkins said the defendant had previously told police he was 'in the United Kingdom illegally and unable to work'. Recorder Michelle Brown accepted there was an 'element' that Malaj was being directed by others, but noted he had lied about being homeless when he actually had a stable home with his girlfriend.
Malaj pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine with intent to supply and possession of criminal property. The judge warned that as he was 'not a UK citizen' with 'no right to remain', he would be 'automatically deported' upon his release.
