Monday 19 May 2014 @ 11:10
National Crime Agency
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Three jailed over ice cream cocaine plot

Three Albanian men have been sentenced to 20 years each for their roles in a conspiracy to import high purity cocaine into the United Kingdom. 

Sdamet Gjorllaka, aged 26, from London, Sadri Lika, aged 31, from Bristol, and Adriatik Spahia, aged 26, from London, were jailed at Maidstone Crown Court this week following an investigation by the Middle Market Drugs Partnership (MMDP), in partnership with Slovenian, Dutch and French police.

In October 2013 investigators observed a Slovenian registered refrigerated lorry parked in a lay-by on the A1306 near Rainham, Essex. Spahia was arrested and a search revealed 18 kilos of cocaine concealed within a legitimate load of ice cream.

Gjorllaka and Lika were in another vehicle, which was seen near the lay-by, and were arrested after boarding a bus in Dagenham.

Steve Robinson, from the MMDP said " The conviction and sentencing of these men is a significant victory in the fight against organised crime. 

"The MMDP will continue to disrupt the unlawful activities of any criminals who seek to import and distribute drugs throughout London."

The Middle Market Drugs Partnership (MMDP) brings together officers from the NCA and the Metropolitan Police Service to protect the communities of London from the harms inflicted by drug dealing

Channel website: http://www.nationalcrimeagency.gov.uk/

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