A 22-year-old man has been jailed for 24 years following a Met Police crackdown on gang gun crime in south London. The investigation uncovered not just a shooting but a chilling drug network exploiting teens to flood London with drugs.
Gunman Ayman Benhalima Pleads Guilty
Ayman Benhalima, from Norwood, was sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court on 28 November. He had earlier admitted to possession with intent to supply cannabis, possession of criminal property, and was found guilty of attempted murder. The shooting happened on 16 December 2024 when Benhalima fired a gun at a rival gang member driving an Audi. Miraculously, no one was hurt.
Drug-Dealing Ring Busted
Detectives digging deeper uncovered a wider drug operation. Teenage girls and women were groomed to smuggle cannabis into London from Thailand. Giovanni Bennett, 23, from Croydon, also pleaded guilty to drug importation and possession of criminal property. Bennett used Snapchat to lure young women into the scheme.
Police Use Music Video to Nail Gangsters
The Met’s Trident team pieced together evidence from CCTV, cell data, and surprisingly, a music video filmed on the shooting night. The footage showed both suspects in identical clothing to the gunmen. Police swooped on their homes and found drugs, cash, and images detailing their drug dealings.
“Firearm offences devastate victims, families and communities,” said Det Insp Ray Sekalongo, who led the probe. “Our aim is to bring offenders to justice and protect vulnerable youngsters from gang exploitation. Our officers work around the clock alongside partners to prevent harm.”
Met Police Crack Down on Gang Violence
- Serious organised crime gang disruptions up 32.6% in the last year.
- Firearm discharges in London down over 88% since 2018/19.
- 260 vulnerable youngsters safeguarded from gang involvement in past year.
The Met’s proactive tactics combining Trident investigations with covert street operations are making London safer by taking weapons off the streets before they can fire.
Giovanni Bennett awaits sentencing next month for his part in the drug ring.
