A Sudden Arrest That Raised Urgent Questions
A man who was removed from the UK less than a year ago has been arrested again—this time, after police say they caught him dealing drugs in Southend during a routine September operation. Officers identified the suspect as 26-year-old Albanian national Deonald Loka, who had previously been deported in December 2024 following earlier criminal conduct. His unexpected return has intensified concerns about border breaches and repeat offending at a time when local communities are already reporting rising street-level drug activity.
Police moved in after spotting what they believed was an active drug deal unfolding near a busy stretch of the town. Loka was detained at the scene and later charged at Basildon Crown Court, where prosecutors outlined the evidence officers recovered during the arrest. The case has now become a flashpoint in Essex, prompting renewed debate about how deported offenders are able to re-enter the UK without permission.
Who Loka Is and Why His Return Matters
Loka had been removed from the UK under a deportation order and was not permitted to come back without formal Home Office clearance. His reappearance in Essex surprised many involved in the earlier case, especially given how quickly he appears to have resurfaced.
Officers say they found drugs packaged for sale, along with a mobile phone that is now being examined as part of the wider investigation. Those findings are expected to help prosecutors map out his activity in the days leading up to the arrest.
Where Police Say the Offending Took Place
According to police, the incident unfolded in Southend-on-Sea during an afternoon operation targeting drug supply hotspots. Officers observing the area said they saw behaviour consistent with a street-level deal, prompting them to intervene immediately.
The arrest happened in a location known for high foot traffic, increasing public concern about the risk posed by open drug markets in residential and commercial zones.
How He Returned After Deportation
Authorities have long warned that some individuals removed from the UK attempt to come back through irregular means, bypassing normal border checks. While the precise route used in this case has not been detailed publicly, officials emphasise that returning without permission is itself a criminal offence.
The handling of Loka’s return is now expected to involve both criminal proceedings and immigration action, reflecting how the two systems often overlap in cases involving deported offenders.
How Deportation Orders and New Charges Work
How Deportation Orders Function
Once someone is removed under a deportation order, they are legally barred from re-entering the UK unless the order is lifted. Returning without permission is an offence that can lead to imprisonment.
What Prosecutors Must Establish
For the new case, prosecutors must show:
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That Loka knowingly returned to the UK despite the existing deportation order.
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That he was involved in supplying controlled substances, supported by physical evidence, officer observations, or digital material found on seized devices.
These are standard evidential thresholds in cases involving illegal re-entry and drug supply.
What Happens Next Under UK Law
If convicted, Loka could receive a custodial sentence. After completing that sentence, immigration officers typically review a person’s status and may enforce removal again unless a legal barrier prevents it. This sequence—criminal proceedings followed by immigration action—is common in cases where someone breaches a deportation order.
Why Essex Communities Are Paying Attention
Towns across Essex, including Southend and Basildon, have reported growing frustration over drug dealing near public areas. The arrest of a previously deported offender has sharpened calls from residents for increased patrols, more joint tasking with immigration teams, and stronger disruption of street-level drug networks.
Local officials say that while the courts will handle the case, community safety remains the immediate priority.
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Key Questions About the Case
Why was Loka deported previously?
He was removed in December 2024 following earlier criminal conduct that led to a deportation order.
Is returning to the UK after deportation illegal?
Yes. Re-entering without permission breaches a deportation order and can result in criminal prosecution.
What will happen after the court case?
If convicted, Loka would serve his sentence and then be referred for immigration action, which may include removal from the UK again.
How are drug-supply cases usually proven?
Evidence can include drugs found, packaging, officer observations, cash, or digital material such as messages linked to dealing.
