Police conclude investigations into gang bringing cocaine to Worthing
Sussex Police say it's been 'successful' with six men sentenced
An investigation into six men, involved in cocaine supply between London and Worthing, has now concluded.
Sussex Police’s Serious Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) led the complex investigation, which culminated in the seizure of approximately 850g of cocaine and more than £32,000 in cash.
Officers discovered that courier Naim Shala, aged 45 and from Vale Close in Newport, had been making regular trips from Wembley to Worthing in his Mazda between June and October 2022.
He delivered the Class A drugs to an address in Pavilion Road in Worthing, where 31 year old Kristian Buqa took possession and prepared it for street sale.
It is estimated that approximately four kilograms of cocaine were transported between the two locations for supply on the streets during the period. This is estimated to be worth between £313,600 and £392,000.
Buqa would then distribute it to drivers, 34 year old Christian Violi from Southsea and 31 year old Saimir Jaho from Somerhill Avenue in Hove, who in turn delivered it to customers in the local area.
Through enquiries, SOCU established that 26 year old Fatma Hasa from Wembley Hill Road in London, held the ‘Gesti’ County Line in Wembley and instructed the dealers where to distribute the illegal substances.
The mobile phone he used to operate the line was also seized.
All five suspects were subsequently arrested and charged as follows:
- Hasa was charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine and acquiring, using or possessing criminal property.
- Buqa was charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine.
- Shala was charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine.
- Jaho was charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine.
- Violi was charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine.
A sixth defendant – Xhonatan Matei, 38, of Shortcrofts Road, Dagenham – was also identified in connection with the ‘Gesti’ line, after he was stopped in his Mercedes on the A24 at Findon in April 2023.
He had travelled from London with the intention of re-stocking the group following the seizures.
He was arrested and charged with being concerned in the supply of cocaine and possession of cocaine.
The case concluded following the conviction of Violi, who was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment – suspended for two years – and ordered to carry out 180 hours of unpaid work, at Lewes Crown Court on 19th July this year.
At earlier hearings at the same court in August 2023, Hasa was sentenced to six years and nine months’ imprisonment; Buqa was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment; Shala was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment and Jaho was sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment – suspended for two years.
The following month, Matei was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment.
Detective Constable Jon Freeman, of the Sussex Police Serious Organised Crime Unit, said:
“These six defendants all played a key role in the supply chain to ensure its successful operation in the Worthing area. But it was only successful up to a point.
“Thanks to the hard work of our officers, working in partnership with other teams within Sussex Police as well as the National Crime Agency and the Met Police Organised Crime Partnership, we were able to identify them and gather sufficient evidence to present to the Crown Prosecution Service, which led to their demise.
“As a result, we have helped to remove a significant amount of harmful drugs and illegal proceeds from the local community, where they would otherwise cause harm to vulnerable users.”