An extensive investigation by Sussex Police’s Serious Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) has led to the conviction of six men involved in a large-scale cocaine distribution operation between London and the Sussex coast.
The investigation, which spanned several months, culminated in the seizure of approximately 850 grams of cocaine and over £32,000 in cash. The drugs were being trafficked from London to Worthing, with the operation allegedly distributing up to four kilograms of cocaine worth between £313,600 and £392,000 on the streets.
The operation was orchestrated by a network of criminals, each playing a distinct role in the supply chain. Courier Naim Shala, 45, of Vale Close, Newport, was identified as a key figure, making regular trips from Wembley to Worthing in his Mazda between June and October 2022. He delivered the Class A drugs to an address on Pavilion Road, Worthing, where 31-year-old Kristian Buqa took possession and prepared the drugs for street-level distribution.
Buqa then passed the cocaine to drivers Christian Violi, 34, of Albany Road, Southsea, and Saimir Jaho, 31, of Somerhill Avenue, Hove, who delivered it to customers in the local area. The operation was overseen by 26-year-old Fatma Hasa, of Wembley Hill Road, Wembley, who managed the ‘Gesti’ County Line from Wembley, directing the distribution of the drugs. The mobile phone used by Hasa to control the operation was also seized during the investigation.
In April 2023, the SOCU apprehended a sixth suspect, Xhonatan Matei, 38, of Shortcrofts Road, Dagenham, who was stopped on the A24 at Findon while driving his Mercedes. Matei was traveling from London to re-stock the network following earlier drug seizures. He was found in possession of cocaine and subsequently arrested.
The men were charged with a variety of offenses related to their roles in the operation:
- Fatma Hasa was charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine and acquiring, using, or possessing criminal property.
- Kristian Buqa was charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine.
- Naim Shala was charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine.
- Saimir Jaho was charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine.
- Christian Violi was charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine.
- Xhonatan Matei was charged with being concerned in the supply of cocaine and possession of cocaine.
The case concluded with the sentencing of Violi at Lewes Crown Court on July 19, 2023, where he received a two-year suspended prison sentence and was ordered to complete 180 hours of unpaid work. Earlier, in August 2023, Hasa was sentenced to six years and nine months in prison, Buqa received six years, Shala was sentenced to five years, and Jaho received a two-year suspended sentence.
The successful prosecution marks the end of a significant drug distribution network and highlights the commitment of Sussex Police to tackling organized crime in the region.
