Four members of a London-based drug trafficking gang have been sentenced to a combined total of 47 years in prison after smuggling and distributing nearly half a ton of cocaine, with an
estimated street value of up to £17 million.
The group, which imported cocaine from the Netherlands for distribution across London, was caught red-handed by officers from the Metropolitan Police’s Specialist Crime South team.
Sentences and convictions
Bert De Jong, 59, from the Netherlands,
Hussain Sakhi, 22, of Laughton Road, Northolt,
Zaibaa Zahur, 21, of Harlington Road, Uxbridge,
...were convicted on 7 April at Kingston Crown Court of conspiracy to import and supply cocaine. They were sentenced on 19 May.
Justyn Morris, 23, of Upper Lees Road, Slough, pleaded guilty to the same charges on 11 March.
Sakhi and Zahur were additionally convicted of conspiracy to supply cocaine.
De Jong: 15 years
Sakhi: 14 years
Morris: 12 years and 6 months
Zahur: 6 years and 10 months
Operation breakdown
The group’s operation involved transporting large quantities of cocaine via lorries into the UK. Once in the country, the drugs were collected and distributed weekly to local “retail” suppliers.
On 16 July 2024, Morris drove a van to an industrial estate in Norwich to meet De Jong, who handed over three boxes later found to contain 70kg of cocaine worth between £1.75m and £2.45m. The drugs were hidden behind black cladding inside the van. Met Police officers, monitoring the handover, intercepted Morris shortly afterward.
Later that day, Sakhi and Zahur arrived at a holiday rental near Norwich, claiming to view the property. Their behavior aroused further suspicion, and both were searched. A phone found in their possession revealed incriminating messages with Morris and another unidentified contact.
All three were arrested on 16 July and charged two days later.
A broader investigation uncovered drug ledgers revealing the gang had trafficked nearly 500kg of cocaine. De Jong acted as the main importer from the Netherlands, Morris handled collection and logistics, while Sakhi and Zahur oversaw distribution.
De Jong was arrested again on 23 July when re-entering the UK. Though he denied knowing the contents he was transporting, phone records showed he sent "tokens" confirming deliveries.
Police statement
Detective Constable Leon Ure, of the Met’s Specialist Crime South team who led the investigation, said:
“This has been a complex and lengthy investigation to dismantle a group supplying drugs across London. It has been part of a wider, proactive drug operation led by the Specialist Crime South team.
“This investigation shows the breadth of work the specialist crime unit deals with and I’d like to thank every officer who was involved in the case.
“Drug dealing has a huge impact on Londoners. It fuels further crime and impacts the heart of our communities.
"Their sentences are fully deserved and I hope this acts as a deterrent to those thinking about bringing in illegal drugs to the country." Photo by Cnyborg, Wikimedia commons.