From 'Escobar' to behind bars - Drug dealer who boasted of 'controlling streets' of east London jailed

A drug dealer who compared himself to Pablo Escobar and boasted of running the streets of Tower Hamlets is now behind bars following a police operation targeting drug supply in east London.

Shahen Ahmed, 34 (08.07.90), of Stevedore Street E1, appeared at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Friday, 13 September, where he was jailed for nine-and-a-half years for being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

The court heard that Ahmed was targeted by officers working under Operation Yamata, which focuses on dismantling drug supply networks across the city and pursuing those operating them.

They identified three sophisticated drug lines running under the banner of 'Killah' from December 2021 to June 2022. Officers carried out various enquiries and identified Ahmed as being involved.

On 28 June 2022, officers executed a warrant at Ahmed’s address on Stevedore Street and another address linked to him. They found a large quantity of Class A drugs (crack cocaine and heroin) and more than £60,000 in cash.

Ahmed was arrested and taken into custody. He was later charged and remanded.

Detective Inspector Sam Bennett, from Op Yamata, said: "My team seized a number of devices from Ahmed. On examination my officers found a video of Ahmed proudly bragging to an unknown passenger about his criminal activity, referring to himself as 'Pablo' and running the streets.

"Drugs are inextricably linked to violence and misery on our streets. They blight communities and ruin lives. To see Ahmed talk so casually and proudly about his involvement is a concern but it also motivates us and makes us even more determined to bring people like him to justice.

“Thanks to my officers and their hard work and diligence, Ahmed now has even more in common with his famed idol – a significant jail sentence.”

Officers found Ahmed concealed more than £600,000 of illicit cash through his business accounts. Detectives from the Met's Economic Crime Unit are now working to retrieve this under the Proceeds of Crime Act.