WATCH: Gang jailed for running £600K Luton to Worcester drugs network
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Nine people involved in operating a drugs network from Luton to Worcester were jailed on Friday (July 11th), as part of ongoing efforts to tackle serious and organised crime across our three counties.
The organised crime group ran the ‘Nico’ line, facilitating the supply of cocaine, crack cocaine and heroin into Worcester. In total, the group made 24 journeys between the two areas supplying what is estimated to be over £600,000 worth of drugs.
Members of the group openly flaunted their lavish lifestyles on social media, showcasing designer watches and large sums of cash.
This successful case has resulted in the sentencing of nine people to a total of over 30 years.
- Hashim Malik, 29, from Roydon Close, Luton – sentenced to 9 years and 2 months.
- Muhiz Jamshed, 24, from Dallow Road, Luton – sentenced to 5 years and 2 months.
- Max Didcote, 21, from Victoria Street, Worcester – sentenced to 4 years and 10 months.*
- Saood Ali, 24, from Lark Hill, Worcester – sentenced to 4 years and 2 months.
- Karim Moustati, 23, from Grasmere Drive, Worcester – sentenced to 4 years.
- Hussain Akhtar, 42, from St Pauls Street, Worcester – sentenced to 2 years and 7 months.
- Talor Benford, from Links Way, Luton – sentenced to 1 year and 3 months.
- Myles Price, 20 from Worcester – handed a suspended sentence of 2 years.
- Amy Deacon, from Victoria Street, Worcester – handed a suspended sentence of 2 years.
The sentencing follows an extensive investigation by West Mercia Police’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), who launched a relentless and robust operation against the gang.
Investigators identified the ringleader as Hashim Malik, supported by his trusted right-hand men Karim Moustati and Saood Ali, courier Muhiz Jamshed and beneath them Max Didcote, Hussain Akhtar, Myles Price and Amy Deacon who acted as foot soldiers, street dealers, and ‘baggers’.
The gang used a cloud-based notes system to track drug orders, monitor debts, and manage their illegal trade efficiently. Over time, they flooded Worcester with more than 6kg of cocaine, crack cocaine, and heroin, causing significant harm to vulnerable individuals through addiction and debt.
During the investigation it was identified that Saood Ali attempted to purchase a firearm from Taylor Benford on more than one occasion.
However, their luck ran out last year when armed officers carried out a series of targeted arrests, dismantling the operation and ensuring key members were put behind bars.
Detective Constable Chris Dougan, of West Mercia Police’s SOCU, said:
“This was a large and detailed investigation that led to an organised crime group being dismantled. In doing so, we’ve prevented hundreds of thousands of pounds' worth of Class A drugs from hitting the streets of Worcester.
“I am pleased to see the key players receive significant prison sentences that reflect the seriousness of their crimes. Putting the gang behind bars for several years can only be a good thing for Worcester.
“Tackling serious and organised crime is a priority, and we will continue to focus our efforts on disrupting the criminal behaviour of those who bring harm to our communities.”
This investigation was part of Operation Target, our campaign to tackling serious and organised crime across Herefordshire, Shropshire, and Worcestershire.
If you have any information related to drug dealing, possession of firearms or other criminal activity, you can contact West Mercia Police online or report anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
*Max Didcote was also sentenced for coercive control and intentional strangulation.