A group of prolific drug dealers has been sentenced to a total of 71 years in prison following a successful investigation by Metropolitan Police detectives.
Their meticulous work disrupted the sale of tens of millions of pounds worth of cocaine across London and other parts of the UK.
On Thursday, September 19, three men were sentenced for their roles in an organized crime group.
Detective Inspector Lydia Stephens, who led the investigation, commended the officers who worked tirelessly to bring justice to this group of prolific drug dealers.
“Our top priority is to make our streets safer by dismantling the criminal market that fuels addiction and often leads to violence and anti-social behavior.”
She added, “This investigation sends a clear message to criminals seeking to profit from the illegal drug trade – we will find you and ensure you face the consequences.”
According to the Met Police, the trio first came to the attention of officers in 2022 as detectives pursued various leads, including cell site analysis, to build a case against them, uncovering a major plot to import a significant quantity of cocaine into the UK via boat.
Police traced the boat’s GPS data and accessed CCTV footage from various harbours to confirm the offenders were on board.
They arrested the three men on suspicion of importing Class A drugs when the boat arrived at Sovereign Marina, Eastbourne.
A thorough search of the vessel revealed a total of 350 kilogrammes of cocaine packed in black plastic within suitcases and holdalls.
The men were found guilty on Friday, August 30, and were sentenced at Kingston Upon Thames Crown Court for conspiracy to import Class A drugs.
Stephen Lloyd Jones, 56, of no fixed abode was jailed 24 years; Tiamo Zanaj, 33, of no fixed abode was jailed 22 years and Kursat Kizilkaya, 33, of Avenue Road, Cornwall was jailed 25 years.
