MPS detectives prevent £35m worth of cocaine entering the UK

Three men were sentenced to a total of 71 years in prison on Thursday (September 19) for their role in the organised crime group.

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

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

“This investigation sends a clear message to criminals who seek to profit from the illegal drug trade – we will find you and ensure you face the consequences.”

The three men first came to the attention of MPS officers in 2022. Detectives pursued various leads, including cell site analysis, to build a case against the trio. Their inquiries revealed a major plot to import a “colossal quantity of cocaine” into the UK via a boat.

Officers traced the boat’s movement GPS data to track the boat across the south coast, accessing CCTV at various harbours to prove the offenders were on board.

They continued to track the boat, before arresting the three men on suspicion of importing Class A drugs when they arrived in Sovereign Marina, Eastbourne.

A thorough search of the boat revealed a total of 350kg of cocaine with a street value of £35 million packed in black plastic in suitcases and holdalls.

The three men were found guilty on Friday, August 30, and were sentenced at Kingston Upon Thames Crown Court for the following offences:

Stephen Lloyd Jones, 56, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to 24 years for conspiracy to import Class A drugs

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

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