Southend police surveillance catches cocaine handover

Officers from the joint National Crime Agency and Metropolitan Police organised crime partnership were on surveillance in the city in September last year when they watched as Dorde Knezevic delivered a heavy black rucksack to Algert Rustemi.

Inside the bag, which was later recovered, were 30 rectangular wrapped blocks of cocaine with an estimated street value of £3.6 million.

Rustemi, of Fleetwood Avenue, Westcliff, was arrested that day and charged with possession with intent to supply class A drugs.

Seized - the blocks of cocaine discovered (Image: National Crime Agency)

Despite claiming that he “didn’t even see" the bag and "didn’t carry it", the 37-year-old later admitted the offence at Basildon Crown Court on January 19 and was jailed for six years and nine months.

Knezevic, of Harry Zeital Way, Hackney, east London, was detained at Heathrow Airport a month later, after attempting to fly back to Serbia on a one way ticket.

He was convicted by a jury at Isleworth Crown Court on Friday and has now been jailed for eight-and-a-half years.

A National Crime Agency spokesman said: "The illegal drugs trade fuels violence, intimidation and exploitation in communities.

"Our commitment to pursuing the most harmful criminals is unwavering, and we will continue to bring them to justice for their crimes."