Two People Appear in Court Over Large Cannabis Find and Alleged Police Deception

Two individuals have appeared before Carlisle Magistrates’ Court accused of being involved in a significant cannabis possession and supply case, as well as providing false information to police after their vehicle was stopped on the M6 in north Cumbria.
Prosecutors told the court that officers intercepted a vehicle travelling southbound near Carlisle on Friday, January 30, during which around seven kilograms of cannabis, with an estimated street value of up to £70,000, were discovered.
The two defendants, 22 year old Anelja Hoxha and a man named Vasfi Xeba, were arrested at the scene and charged. They jointly face allegations of possession of cannabis with intent to supply and possession of criminal property. Prosecutors say Hoxha was found in possession of £4,000 in cash, and Xeba had £3,000, both sums believed to derive from criminal activity.
In addition, the pair are accused of attempting to pervert the course of justice by providing false names, dates of birth and nationalities to officers during the stop.
Xeba faces an additional charge relating to an identity document. Prosecutors allege he possessed a photograph of a driving licence containing false details, purportedly issued by a country of which he was not a citizen, with the intention of misleading police about his identity.
No pleas were entered at the hearing, with both defendants giving their address as Albert Street, Boston, Lincolnshire.
Because the charge of perverting the course of justice is too serious to be dealt with at a magistrates’ court, their case has been committed to Carlisle Crown Court.
The next hearing, a plea and trial preparation session, is scheduled for March 5. Both Hoxha and Xeba have been remanded in custody until that date.