COCAINE GANG JAILED FOR 55 YEARS

23 Jul 2004 05:45 PM

Three men were sentenced today at Southwark Crown Court to a total of 55 years for importing a Class A drug following a Customs seizure of 5.5 million of cocaine.

A Customs surveillance investigation resulted in the seizure of approximately 200 kilos of cocaine in Dagenham, East London, on 22 December 2003.

Asad Javid aged 27 of Chingford, Essex, received 25 years. Altaf Haysun aged 27 of Leytonstone and Mahmoon Khan aged 28 of Leytonstone both received 15 years imprisonment.

Steve Coates, Customs Assistant Chief Investigation Officer, said:

"Customs has once again prevented a substantial amount of cocaine from hitting the streets of the UK. We will continue to target and combat, through intelligence and sophisticated technology, the criminal gangs behind these drug-trafficking networks."

Notes for editors
1. Asad Javid pled not guilty and was found guilty yesterday 22 July 2004, Altaf Haysun pled guilty on 21 June 2004 and Mahmoon Khan pled guilty on 12 July 2004.

2. News releases issued on 22 December 2003 (Nr 85/03) and 23 December 2003 (Nr 86/03)

3. HM Customs and Excise has the UK lead for reducing the availability of Class A drugs by detecting and deterring the smuggling of illegal drugs and other prohibited and restricted goods, and by disrupting/dismantling organised drug crime groups, and by the recovery of drug related criminal assets.

4. HM Customs and Excise law enforcement is intelligence-led, working with partners at home and abroad to tackle threats to the UK.

5. Customs has built a 21st century Customs Service to tackle 21st century crime. New tactics include stronger partnering with agencies at home and abroad, an intelligence-led approach, modern technology and flexible and mobile teams of officers who can be anywhere at any time.

If using specific facts contained in this release please check the information is still current.

Issued by HM Customs and Excise Marketing and Communications Division

For the attention of News Desks
Anyone with information about illegally imported drugs, tobacco or alcohol or about VAT or fuel fraud can speak to a Customs officer in complete confidence at Customs Confidential 24 hours a day on 0800 59 5000. Or fax 0800 528 0506, write to Freepost SEA9391, PO Box 100, DA12 2BR, or e-mail customs.confidential@hmce.gsi.gov.uk www.hmce.gov.uk