Met officers seize £35 million worth of cocaine entering the UK in an operation that has seen key members of an organised crime group jailed.
Undercover police had been monitoring three suspects over two years with cell phone analysis and uncovered a plot to smuggle a “colossal” amount of cocaine into the UK by boat.
Officers identified the boat and tracked its movement using GPS data.
The vessel was intercepted in Sovereign Harbour in Eastbourne where police had rigged up CCTV to be used in evidence against the trio aboard.
They were sentenced at Kingston Upon Thames Crown Court on 30 August and jailed for a total of 71 years.
Stephen Lloyd Jones, 56, was sentenced to 24 Years for Conspiracy to import Class A drugs Tiamo Zanaj, 33, was sentenced to 22 Years for Conspiracy to import Class A drugs
Menawhile Kursat Kizilkaya, 33, from Cornwall, was sent to jail for 25 Years for Conspiracy to import Class A drugs.
A thorough search of the boat revealed a total of 350 kilograms of cocaine packed in black plastic in suitcases and holdalls.
Detective Inspector Lydia Stephens, who led the investigation, said: “I want to commend the officers who worked around the clock 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 behaviour.
“This investigation sends a clear message to criminals who seek to profit from the illegal drug trade – we will find you and ensure you face the consequences.
As part of the A New Met for London is committed to tackling crimes which affect communities most, including tackling drugs which impact communities across the capital.
