Jailed: County lines drug dealers from Tower Hamlets and Brent

Azimi, left, and Islami. Pic: Met Police (Image: Archant)

Harrow Crown Court heard Shaban Hotak, 23, of Roman Road, Bethnal Green, Salman Ahmed, 25, of Tudor Court, North Wembley, and 21-year-old Hussein Mohamed Ismail, 21, of Brenthurst Road, Willesden, supplied class A and B drugs in Kent and Surrey.

The court were told they worked alongside Samim Islami, 21, from Chessington, Surrey, and Ahmad Azimi, 22, from Maidstone, Kent, and are believed to have forced young people into dealing drugs for them with threats of violence.

The gang were snared in a proactive operation led by officers, from the Barnet Gangs Unit, who raided a one-bedroom property in the borough on March 1 this year.

All five were at the address and an officer outside filmed Ahmed throwing a bag over the balcony containing packages of crack cocaine and heroin.

In addition wraps of crack cocaine, heroin and a mobile phone were found in the kitchen as well as wraps of class A drugs in the middle of the living room.

All were convicted of possession with intent to supply class A drugs namely crack cocaine and heroin, and class B drug cannabis.

Hotak, Azimi and Ahmed were jailed for five-and-a-half years, Ismail must serve four years in jail and Islami was sentenced to five years.

PC Owen Bateman, of Barnet Gangs Unit, said: “The supply of drugs across London and the Home Counties fuels violence and exploitation, particularly involving young people.

“I hope the lengthy jail sentences handed to these five men will deter those tempted to become involved in drug dealing.

“If you are concerned about a friend or family member involved in gangs ask to be contacted by your local gangs unit by contacting police via 101 or by calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”