Six members of a London gang have been sentenced for their involvement in a cocaine trafficking operation that flooded a seaside town in Sussex with drugs. The Sussex Police’s Serious Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) successfully seized around 850g of cocaine and over £32,000 in cash as part of their investigation.
The operation, orchestrated by Fatma Hasa from Wembley and Xhonatan Matei from Dagenham, involved the transportation of Class A drugs from London to Worthing. Courier Naim Shala made regular trips between the two locations in his Mazda, delivering the cocaine to an address on Pavilion Road. There, Kristian Buqa prepared the drugs for distribution on the streets of Worthing.
It is estimated that approximately four kilos of cocaine were trafficked between Wembley and Worthing during the operation, with a street value ranging from £313,600 to £392,000. Hasa, who held the ‘Gesti’ County Line in Wembley, directed the dealers on where to sell the drugs, ensuring a steady supply of cocaine reached the streets of Worthing.
Overall, six individuals were convicted in connection with the operation. Hasa, Buqa, Shala, and two runners, Christian Violi and Saimir Jaho, were all charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine. Hasa was sentenced to six years and nine months in prison, Buqa to six years, Shala to five years, Jaho to 24 months (suspended for two years), and Violi to two years (suspended for two years) with 180 hours of unpaid work.
Additionally, Xhonatan Matei, who was stopped in his Mercedes on the A24 at Findon while attempting to re-stock the group following seizures, was also charged with being concerned in the supply of cocaine and possession of cocaine. Matei was sentenced to three years in prison for his involvement in the trafficking operation.
Detective Constable Jon Freeman of the Sussex Police Serious Organised Crime Unit emphasized the collaborative effort that led to the successful dismantling of the drug trafficking ring. Working in partnership with other law enforcement agencies such as the National Crime Agency and the Met Police Organised Crime Partnership, the Sussex Police were able to gather sufficient evidence to present to the Crown Prosecution Service, ultimately leading to the conviction of the individuals involved.
Freeman highlighted the impact of removing harmful drugs and illegal proceeds from the local community, preventing further harm to vulnerable users. The successful prosecution of those involved in the operation serves as a warning to others engaged in similar criminal activities.
The sentencing of the London gang members marks a significant victory in the fight against drug trafficking and organized crime in Sussex. By disrupting the supply chain and holding those responsible accountable, law enforcement agencies have effectively safeguarded the community from the negative consequences of drug trafficking.
Impact on the Community
The influx of cocaine into the seaside town of Worthing had a detrimental impact on the local community, with vulnerable individuals falling prey to the harmful effects of drug addiction. The easy availability of drugs through the organized crime syndicate created a dangerous environment for residents, particularly young people who may have been targeted by drug dealers.
The successful prosecution of the London gang members responsible for the drug trafficking operation has helped to disrupt the flow of drugs into the area, providing a sense of relief and safety to the community. By removing these criminals from the streets, law enforcement agencies have taken a proactive stance in protecting the well-being of residents and preventing further harm caused by drug-related activities.
Collaborative Efforts
The investigation and subsequent prosecution of the drug trafficking operation in Sussex were the result of collaborative efforts between various law enforcement agencies. The Sussex Police’s Serious Organised Crime Unit worked closely with the National Crime Agency and the Met Police Organised Crime Partnership to gather evidence and build a strong case against the individuals involved.
The coordinated approach taken by the different agencies involved in the investigation highlights the importance of collaboration in tackling organized crime and drug trafficking. By sharing resources, expertise, and intelligence, law enforcement agencies were able to effectively dismantle the drug trafficking ring and bring those responsible to justice.
Preventative Measures
In light of the successful prosecution of the London gang members involved in the cocaine trafficking operation, law enforcement agencies have emphasized the importance of preventative measures to combat drug-related activities. By implementing stricter surveillance, intelligence gathering, and enforcement strategies, authorities aim to deter criminals from engaging in illegal drug trafficking activities.
Additionally, community outreach programs, education initiatives, and support services for individuals struggling with addiction play a crucial role in preventing drug abuse and reducing the demand for illicit substances. By addressing the root causes of drug addiction and providing support to those in need, authorities can work towards creating a safer and healthier environment for residents.
Overall, the sentencing of the London gang members involved in the cocaine trafficking operation serves as a clear message that drug-related activities will not be tolerated in Sussex. Through continued vigilance, collaboration, and preventative measures, law enforcement agencies are committed to safeguarding communities from the harmful effects of drug trafficking and organized crime.