By James Simons-
Ergest Tarja, (pictured)the 31-year-old leader of a criminal gang involved in a sophisticated cocaine smuggling operation spanning between London and Sussex, has seen his prison sentence extended after it was deemed “unduly lenient” by the Court of Appeal.
Tarja orchestrated a network responsible for the transportation of approximately 20 kilograms of cocaine over a period of two to three years, utilizing encrypted communication through a special EncroChat phone to evade detection.
However, despite his efforts to cover his tracks, French Police experts managed to decipher the encrypted messages, exposing his significant role in the distribution of multiple kilograms of cocaine.
About 15 defendants had already been convicted of their involvement in the mass distribution and supply of Class A and B substances in the Worthing area between March 2020 and June 2021.
During this time, officers identified two local Organised Crime Groups (OCGs) who were purchasing large quantities of cocaine and cannabis from other OCGs in London, Luton and elsewhere, and selling them on for profit locally.
Through painstaking investigations and working with partners, police were able to identify a number of suspects.
Among them was Ergest Tarja, who used an EncroChat phone to send and receive encrypted calls and messages in a bid to cover his tracks.
But experts at the French Police were able to uncover the messages which showed his involvement in the distribution of multiple kilograms of cocaine, such as this image captured from his phone:
A number of warrants and stop checks were executed across the county, leading to the seizure of around six kilograms of cocaine and cannabis with a wholesale value of £201,000 to 240,000 and street value of £480,000 to £600,000, 868 grams of cannabis and around £157,795 cash. Multiple arrests were also made
A number of warrants and stop checks were executed across the county, leading to the seizure of around six kilograms of cocaine and cannabis with a wholesale value of £201,000 to 240,000 and street value of £480,000 to £600,000, 868 grams of cannabis and around £157,795 cash.
Already serving a four-year prison sentence, Tarja faced additional charges of conspiring to supply cocaine and being concerned in the supply of cocaine, resulting in a further six years and six months behind bars imposed by Lewes Crown Court.
The sentence, however, attracted scrutiny under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme, prompting a review by the Court of Appeal.
On Thursday, the court decided to increase Tarja’s jail time to nine years, recognizing the severity of his crimes and the need for a more substantial deterrent against drug trafficking activities.
During the proceedings, it emerged that Tarja, an Albanian national, had been residing in the UK for several years under false identities when he orchestrated the illicit activities.
Described as playing a leading role in the operation, Tarja facilitated the buying and selling of cocaine, contributing to the distribution of 5 kilograms of the illicit substance between March 2020 and April 2021.
Reacting to the court’s decision, Solicitor General Robert Courts condemned the destructive impact of drug trafficking on local communities, expressing shock at the sophistication of Tarja’s operation.
Courts emphasized the importance of holding drug dealers accountable and ensuring that they face the full consequences of their actions under the law.
With Tarja’s extended prison term, authorities send a clear message that drug-related criminal activities will be met with uncompromising enforcement and stringent penalties.