Pan-London drug dealers sentenced following Met investigation

An organised crime network distributing drugs across London has been dismantled following an investigation by Met officers, with the gang sentenced to over 20 years' imprisonment collectively.

The investigation was launched after the tragic death of Alexander Hildred, 44, a vulnerable man who collapsed in the street in Bermondsey, SE1, after suffering a cardiac arrest.

As part of enquiries into his death, police reviewed information on Mr Hildred’s mobile phone and uncovered a network of dealers selling Class A and Class B drugs.

Evidence including WhatsApp messages and CCTV footage led officers to three men involved in the supply of drugs including crystal methamphetamine, cocaine and gamma hydroxybutyric acid, which is commonly known as GHB.

Following an extensive investigation all three were charged with conspiracy to supply Class A and Class B drugs and possession of criminal property.

As part of the Met’s drive to tackle issues that matter most to communities, officers are focusing on community crime fighting, acting on residents’ concerns, and making London safer for those who live and work in the capital.

Detective Sergeant Andy Snazell, who led the investigation as part of the Met’s Serious Organised Crime team, said: “The supply of drugs has devastating consequences for communities across London and beyond. It causes addiction, has devastating health impacts, and leads to anti-social behaviour and violence.

“With the help of local communities talking to us and sharing information our officers are acting swiftly to pursue those who seek to cause harm by supplying drugs.

“We are determined to robustly deal with offenders who impact the lives of those around them while driving down crime in local areas and restoring trust and confidence in the Met.”

At a hearing on Tuesday, 8 October at Inner London Crown Court the defendants, all of Sydney Grove, NW4, were sentenced as follows:

Hadi Salahi, 39 (18.9.85) was sentenced to eight years and four months' imprisonment having pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A and Class B drugs and possession of criminal property at the same court on 13 September 2023.

Hosein Ghadimi, 31 (23.2.93) was sentenced to seven years and two months' imprisonment having pleaded guilty at the same court to conspiracy to supply Class A and Class B drugs on 31 August 2023 and possession of criminal property on 13 September 2023.

Meysam Ghorbani, 30 (24.7.94) was sentenced to four years and nine months' imprisonment having been pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A and Class B drugs and possession of criminal property at the same court on 13 September 2023.

Met officers are working alongside communities to crack down on individuals who supply drugs in London. As part of the Met’s drive to tackle issues that matter most to communities through our A New Met for London plan, officers are focusing on community crime fighting, acting on residents' concerns and making London safer for those who live, work and raise a family in the capital.

The supply of drugs has devastating consequences on communities across London and beyond – it causes addiction, having devastating health impacts, as well as leading to anti-social behaviour and violence.

With the help of local communities sharing information, Met officers are acting swiftly to pursue those who seek to cause harm by supplying drugs.