Met officers dismantle Croydon-based drugs gang

Three men have been sentenced for drug offences following a painstaking investigation by Met officers in Croydon. It comes as part of the Met’s ongoing determination to protect Londoners from drug-fuelled violence across the capital.

Daniel Griffin, 25 (19.05.1999) of Church Road, Croydon was sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment at Croydon Crown Court on Friday, 30 August. He was found guilty of the supply and possession of crack cocaine and heroin, and possession of two firearms and live ammunition.

Two of his accomplices pleaded guilty to being involved in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin.

Sonny Panice, 34 (06.07.1990) of Brunswick Road, Sutton was sentenced to four years and six months’ imprisonment at Croydon Crown Court on Wednesday 4 September.

Cairo Khalid, 22 (20.09.2002) of Brighton Road, Purley was given a two-year suspended sentence at Croydon Crown Court on Wednesday 4 September.

Police Constable Sam Kirk, who led the investigation said: “Drugs ruin lives. The damage they cause to individuals and communities is far-reaching. That’s why I am immensely proud of the work of the officers involved in this investigation.

"Our sustained efforts to tackle drug supply is an important step in reducing violence on the streets. This investigation should serve as a message to criminals and gang members involved in the supply of drugs - we will come after you and we will bring you to justice.”

The investigation into the three men forms part of the Met’s Operation Yamata which focuses on dismantling drug supply networks across the city and pursuing those operating them. So far the Metropolitan police has closed 1000 drug lines as a result of this work.

Through Yamata, Met officers identified Griffin as the leader of a drugs line in south London. On Tuesday, 5 March, officers executed a raid at Griffin’s home address where they discovered several phones used in the supply of drugs, crack cocaine and heroin worth £14,000, a sawn-off shotgun, a rifle and more than 200 rounds of live ammunition. Griffin was arrested before being charged and remanded into custody.

The investigation into Griffin allowed officers to discover the identities of two accomplices, Cairo Khalid and Sonny Panice. On Tuesday, 9 July, officers executed a search warrant at the home address of Panice where they discovered further quantities of Class A drugs. Both Panice and Khalid were arrested the same day.

Operation Yamata was established in 2022 to combat drug dealing across the capital. Specialist officers use innovative data techniques to track and dismantle drug lines that facilitate the sale of Class A drugs.

Officers launch investigations into mobile phone lines used to supply drugs. They then track down those operating the lines and arrest them with the assistance of local officers who have expert knowledge of their neighbourhoods.

This data-led approach ensures the Met’s operations are focused on the most prolific and dangerous individuals, making neighbourhoods safe from the unpredictable violence and devastation the drugs trade causes.