People smuggler admits role in Belgium lorry plan

A man has admitted trying to help smuggle five Albanians into the UK in a lorry.

Ibrahim Sollaku, 33, of Wilton Avenue, Southampton, was arrested in Bournemouth on 5 November.

At the same time, officers in Belgium arrested another suspect and stopped five Albanian men who were intending to travel.

Appearing at Winchester Crown Court on Monday, Sollaku pleaded guilty to conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration, and possession with intent to supply class A drugs.

He will be sentenced on 15 January.

Sollaku was arrested following a joint operation by the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU) and Belgian law enforcement.

SWROCU said more than 90 street deals of cocaine were seized from his home.

Det Ch Insp Adam Smith said: "Criminals like Sollaku look to make huge profits by facilitating illegal journeys.

"The high price tags they charge often help to strengthen their criminal networks, causing yet more harm to our communities, usually through drug supply and exploiting vulnerable people.

"The more information we have to help identify suspects and potential victims, the more we can target the networks behind it."

SWROCU said a 55-year-old man from Bournemouth, arrested at the same time as Sollaku, remained on police bail.

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