South Cumbria Criminals Jailed in February as Drug and Violence Cases Highlighted
A number of offenders across South Cumbria were jailed in February, with cases involving drug supply, violence and serious threats heard in local courts.
Several of the cases involved large-scale drug operations, with significant quantities of Class A drugs seized and long prison sentences handed down. In some cases, offenders are also set to be deported after serving their sentences.
Drug Supply Cases and Deportations
Two men, Sokratis Lleshaj, 21, and Perlat Hamza, 36, were sentenced at Preston Crown Court after admitting possession with intent to supply cocaine in Barrow.
Both men will be deported following their prison sentences, highlighting the courts’ approach to tackling organised drug activity linked to wider networks.
Former Barrow AFC Player Jailed
One of the most notable cases involved Francis Ventre, a former Barrow AFC defender, who was jailed for nine years.
He played a key role in a conspiracy to supply cocaine and ketamine worth an estimated £480,000. Investigators were able to link him to the operation through an encrypted phone, which used the football club’s name as a password.
Further Class A Drug Offences
In total, five men were jailed for Class A drug supply offences across South Cumbria.
Several of these cases were heard at Preston Crown Court, with offenders convicted of possession with intent to supply cocaine. The cases underline ongoing police efforts to disrupt drug networks operating in the region.
Cocaine Network Between London and Barrow
Two Albanian men, Erald Sulaj and Ergys Elezi, were also jailed for their roles in supplying cocaine from London to Barrow.
During the investigation, police seized large quantities of cocaine and nearly £20,000 in cash from a property in London. Both men admitted being involved in the supply of Class A drugs.
Violent Assault and Weapons Offence
Violent crime also featured in the February cases.
Dean Edgeler, of Holborn Hill, Millom, was jailed after attacking a man who stepped in to protect a woman. The victim was struck over the head with a crowbar during the incident, which took place in February 2023.
Threats Against Family and Police
In a separate case, Michael Marwood, of Ship Street, Barrow, was sentenced after making serious threats.
He threatened to kill his sister and burn down a police officer’s home, with the court describing his behaviour as “vile and abusive”. The threats were made following his arrest on unrelated matters.
What It Means for South Cumbria
The February court round-up highlights the scale of drug crime and violent offending being dealt with across the region.
From high-value drug operations to serious assaults, the cases show a continued effort by police and the courts to:
- disrupt organised crime
- protect the public
- impose strong penalties on repeat and serious offenders
Looking Ahead
With lengthy prison sentences and deportation orders issued, authorities say they will continue targeting those involved in drug supply and violent crime.
The cases serve as a reminder of both the impact of organised crime and the ongoing work to reduce it across South Cumbria.
