An Albanian man who was deported from the UK last year after being caught with drugs has been jailed after returning on a dinghy and dealing again.
Valentin Roci, 27, appeared at Basildon Crown Court, where he admitted possessing cocaine with intent to supply, cannabis possession, criminal property, and driving offences.
Caught in Southend Stop
On 21 March 2025, police stopped a Ford Mondeo in Southend for a missing brake light. Roci was behind the wheel despite not being insured or licensed to drive.
Prosecutor Philippa Page told the court that police became suspicious when Roci kept reaching towards his groin. Officers searched him and discovered:
- £1,195 in cash
- Eight wraps of cocaine
- One wrap of cannabis
Roci gave a “no comment” interview, refused to provide his address, and withheld his phone’s PIN code.
Prior Deportation
The court heard Roci had previously been arrested in 2024 for drug offences and illegal entry into the UK. The drugs charges were dropped, and he was deported instead.
However, within months he re-entered Britain on a small boat crossing the Channel, telling the court he had been forced back into drug dealing to repay a £4,000 debt to smugglers.
Judge Rejects Defence
Defence lawyer Olivia Rawlings argued Roci was acting under pressure from criminal gangs. She claimed he kept only £200 of the cash, with the rest intended for handlers.
But Judge Shane Collery KC rejected this, saying there was no evidence to support Roci’s story.
“You were deported last year because they found you in possession of drugs. That was April — and plainly, within months, you were back in the UK.
It feels more like somebody who is doing this for money. It is plainly not conducive to the public good to have you in this country.”
Sentence and Deportation Order
Roci was sentenced to 30 months in prison and will be deported after serving his sentence.
The judge ordered the £1,195 to be donated to the Essex Community Foundation and ruled that the car be retained by police.
