A group of drug dealers have been jailed after police prevented the sale of £35 million worth of cocaine across London and the UK.

Three men were sentenced to a combined total of 71 years in prison on Thursday, September 19, for their involvement in an organised crime group.

The men first came to the attention of the Metropolitan Police in 2022.

Detectives used mobile phone data and other clues to build a case against them.

Their enquiries revealed a major plot to import a high quantity of cocaine into the UK via a boat.

Police tracked the boat using GPS, monitoring its movements along the south coast.

They also reviewed CCTV footage from various harbours to prove the men were on board.

The police continued to follow the boat until it arrived at Sovereign Marina in Eastbourne, where the three men were arrested on suspicion of importing Class A drugs.

A search of the boat uncovered 350 kilograms of cocaine hidden in suitcases and holdalls.

The trio 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.

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.”