Six members of a drugs gang which conspired to supply cocaine worth millions of pounds in London have been jailed for a combined total of 102 years today (7 April).
Florentino Gonzalez, 48, and Edwin Abazi, 31, were convicted of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs following a three-week trial at Blackfriars Crown Court which concluded last month. Bajram Elezi, 34, was convicted of one count of possession of a Class A drug with intent to supply at the trial, while three other men pleaded guilty to similar charges.
The trial heard how the gang arranged for drugs to be supplied from apartment blocks in Canary Wharf and London Bridge. In total 30kg of cocaine, with an estimated street value of £3.6million, was seized from the gang by officers.
During the investigation members of the gang were found in possession of varying amounts of cocaine or cash, including more than £125,000 which was found in a hidden compartment in a Bentley driven by Gonzalez.
Today, Gonzalez was sentenced to 24 years in prison for his role in the scheme, with five other men jailed for between eight and 21 years each.
Laura Tams, from the CPS, said:
“These men were involved in a sophisticated operation to supply significant amounts of Class A drugs for sale on the streets of London.
“The prosecution worked with investigators from an early stage to build a strong case, resulting in the guilty verdicts returned by the jury.”
Ends
Background
· Laura Tams is a Specialist Prosecutor with the CPS International Justice and Organised Crime Division
· Details of charges and sentences:
- Florentino Gonzalez, 48, was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to supply a Class A drug. He pleaded guilty to one count of concealing criminal property. Sentenced to 24 years in prison.
- Edwin Abazi, 31, was found guilty of conspiracy to supply a Class A drug. Sentenced to 21 years in prison.
- Bajram Elezi, 34, was found guilty of one count of possession of a Class A drug with intent to supply. Sentenced to 8 years in prison.
- Armand Cuni, 39, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply a Class A drug. Sentenced to 22 years in prison.
- Saimir Byberi, 30, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply a Class A drug. Sentenced to 15 years in prison.
- Yeton Cera, 26, pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of a Class A drug with intent to supply. Also pleaded guilty to possession of a false identity document. Sentenced to 12 years in prison.
