COLOMBIAN COCAINE GANG JAILED FOR 71 YEARS

20 May 2005 05:45 PM

A Colombian gang importing cocaine into the United Kingdom was today sentenced to a total of 71 years imprisonment following a successful HM Revenue & Customs investigation.

HMRC Assistant Chief Investigation Officer Duncan Stewart said:

"We are extremely pleased with the results in this case and the sentences given to those convicted.

"This operation has had a real impact on Colombian-led organised crime on the streets of London and we remain committed to continuing this work with other partners in the Metropolitan Police and the National Crime Squad."

In February 2004, a parcel from Spain was picked up in Bermondsey, London by Maire Bejarano and delivered to 19 Burrows House, Stockwell. Bejarano then filmed Ricardo Hinestroza opening the parcel, which contained over 10kg of cocaine. On leaving Burrows House, Hinestroza handed the camera over to John Zamora Abello, and both were arrested by Customs officers who had been carrying out a surveillance operation.

A subsequent search of the property revealed a cocaine 'laboratory' in a bedroom full of childrens' toys, with a hydraulic drugs press, cutting agent, bleach for whitening, scales and a further 1.91kg of cut cocaine. A machete and air pistol converted to fire live rounds were also discovered. Additional gang members were subsequently arrested.

This case was successfully prosecuted by the newly established Revenue and Customs Prosecutions Office (RCPO). RCPO is an independent prosecuting authority which reports to the Attorney General, and is responsible for the prosecution of all HMRC cases.

Notes for editors

1. Photographs and video footage are available from the HMRC press office. This includes footage of the cocaine parcels being opened.

2. The trial concluded on 16 March 2005 at Croydon Crown Court, with sentencing taking place on 20 May.
The details of the defendants and sentences are:
* Luis Zamora - Colombian national, born 09/10/68 of 68R, address Woodlands Park Road, London N15. Found guilty of importation of cocaine.
Sentenced to 14 years, to be deported on completion.
* John Zamora - Colombian national, born 22/10/69, address 41 Selborne Rd, London N22. Found guilty of importation of cocaine. Sentenced to 14 years, to be deported on completion.
* Ricardo Hinestroza - Colombian national, born 06/01/81, address 19 Burrow House, London SW9. Found guilty of importation of cocaine. Sentenced to 12 years, to be deported on completion of sentence. * Lisandro Alzate Orozco- Colombian/British national, born 19/03/81. Landlord of 19 Burrow House, Stockwell, SW9. Pleaded guilty to being knowingly concerned in the supply of cocaine charges and to possession of a firearm.
Sentenced to 5 years for the firearms offence, and 11 years for the drugs offence, to be served concurrently. A 5 year travel restriction to apply after he is released.
* Fabian Alberto Vargas Osorio - Colombian national, born 15/11/70, Arrested at 19 Burrow House, home address unknown. Pleaded guilty to being knowingly concerned in the supply of cocaine charges. Sentenced to 8 years, to be deported on completion of sentence. * Elver Florez- Colombian national, born 25/10/65. Arrested at 19 Burrow House, home address unknown. Wanted on extradition warrant from Spain having been convicted of supplying cocaine in 2003. Pleaded guilty being knowingly concerned in the supply of cocaine charges.
Sentenced to 7 years, to be deported on completion of sentence. * Maire Bejarano- Colombian national, born 03/12/86. Arrested at 19 Burrow House, home address unknown. Pleaded guilty to importation charges
Sentenced to 3 years 11 months, to be deported on completion.

3. One further defendant, Hector Orozco, found guilty on 16 March 2005 will be sentenced at a later date.

4. HM Revenue & Customs 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.

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

6. RCPO was created by Royal Assent on 7th April 2005. An independent prosecuting authority, RCPO reports directly to the Attorney General, and is responsible for prosecuting some of the largest drug and fraud cases in the UK. For further information please contact the RCPO press office on 020 7865 5666.

Issued by HM Revenue and Customs Press Office

HMRC National Advice Service
Tel: 0845 010 9000

Customs Confidential Hotline
Tel: 0800 59 5000