Trio arrested: Police stop cocaine smuggling worth £35 million in London

Three men were sentenced to a total of 71 years in prison on Thursday, September 19, for their involvement in an organized criminal organization.

The men first came to the attention of the Metropolitan Police in 2022.

Using cell phone data and other clues, investigators built a case against her.

Their investigation uncovered a large-scale conspiracy to import large quantities of cocaine into the United Kingdom by boat.

Police tracked the boat via GPS and monitored its movements along the south coast.

They also reviewed video surveillance footage from various ports to prove that the men were on board.

Police continued to pursue the boat until it reached Sovereign Marina in Eastbourne, where the three men were arrested on suspicion of importing Class A drugs.

During a search of the boat, 350 kilograms of cocaine were found hidden in suitcases and travel bags.

The trio were found guilty and sentenced at Kingston Upon Thames Crown Court on Friday 30 August of the following offences: Stephen Lloyd Jones, 56, of no fixed address, was sentenced to 24 years imprisonment for conspiracy to import Class A drugs.

Tiamo Zanaj, 33, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to 22 years in prison for conspiracy to import Class A drugs.

Kursat Kizilkaya, 33, of Avenue Road, Cornwall, was sentenced to 25 years in prison for conspiracy to import Class A drugs.

Detective Inspector Lydia Stephens, who led the investigation, said: “I would like to commend the officers who worked around the clock to bring this group of prolific drug dealers to justice.

“Our top priority is to make our streets safer by disrupting the criminal market that fuels addiction and often leads to violence and anti-social behaviour.

“This investigation sends a clear message to criminals seeking to profit from the illegal drug trade: We will find you and make sure you face the consequences.”