Three more jailed after £100,000 in cash, watches and cocaine seized

Why it matters: The sentences are part of a wider crackdown on drug supply networks operating between London and Ipswich, with police seizing substantial assets including £50,000 in cash, Rolex watches worth £25,000, and cocaine valued at around £10,000.

The trio were sentenced at Ipswich Crown Court on Monday 3 March after earlier pleading guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine:

• Azem Ferizolli, 24, of Woodward Road, Dagenham: jailed for eight years and six months

• Halit Ferizolli, 34, of Woodrush Way, Romford: jailed for nine years

• Genart Loca, 23, of Valence Circus, Dagenham: jailed for seven years

The bigger picture: In 2023, five other men pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine between December 2020 and July 2022 in relation to the same case:

• Avenis Dida, 22, of no fixed address: jailed for 32 months

• Hayg Boduryan, 33, of Freehold Road, Ipswich: jailed for four years

• Kastriot Rexha, 24, of no fixed address: jailed for 32 months

• Arxhend Bera, 18, of Ipswich Street, Stowmarket: jailed for 30 months

• Artan Kastrati, 33, of Hanworth Road, Hounslow: jailed for 38 months

The details: The warrants were executed at addresses in Ipswich, including Freehold Road, and in the London area in July 2022. The operation was part of a joint Norfolk and Suffolk serious and organised crime operation supported by colleagues from the Metropolitan Police Service. Immigration officials and staff from the GLAA (Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority) were also in attendance.

Officers recovered:

• At least £50,000 in cash

• Two Rolex watches worth £25,000

• Designer clothing, footwear and handbags totalling £10,000

• A Toyota Prius valued at around £7,000

• Approximately £10,000 worth of suspected cocaine

• A suspected fake passport

What they're saying: DC Chris Townrow from the Serious Organised Crime Unit said: "This was an extensive proactive operation between ourselves and the Met which has led to the successful prosecution of three other members of this network. I hope this result sends a clear message that we will continue to pursue gangs in this way, wherever in the UK they are operating. The harm that drugs cause communities across the UK will not be tolerated."

"This proactive work with the Metropolitan Police to disrupt and hold to account individuals involved in the organisation and supply of drugs will continue. The convictions show how police forces working together can make a difference."

"This case highlights that the people higher up in the supply chain, who may think they are untouchable from their remote bases in bigger cities, are not above the law. We can, and will, find you and ensure that you are brought to justice, as well as the people you send out to peddle your drugs."

The bottom line: Police are urging the public to report suspicious activity, saying: "If you suspect drug dealing is taking place in your area or see anything suspicious or out of place, please tell us. You don't have to be certain, just concerned."

Call police on 101, or alternatively contact the independent charity Crimestoppers to report anonymously – either online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111.