A 36-year-old man has been sentenced to more than two years in prison after being caught with cocaine during a vehicle stop in Braintree. The arrest was made by two neighbourhood policing officers conducting a targeted patrol on 7 October 2025.
Officers observed the car, driven by Aulon Cani, in Coggeshall Road. A subsequent search of both Cani and the vehicle under section 23 of the Misuse of Drugs Act uncovered multiple bags of white powder hidden in a panel within the car, along with £370 in cash. The seized cocaine was estimated to have a street value of up to £800.
Cani admitted to possession with intent to supply cocaine, as well as acquiring, using, or possessing criminal property. He appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court on 15 January and was sentenced to a total of two years and three months in prison.
PC Aris Sahin, the investigating officer, said: “We will continue to target those like Cani who think they can profit from drug dealing, ensure they are brought before the courts and prevent drugs from reaching our communities and causing untold harm.”
The court also ordered the forfeiture of the cash, the destruction of the drugs, and the destruction of a mobile phone associated with the offences. Cani, of Wideford Drive, Romford, was additionally required to pay a victim surcharge.
