Detectives proved Khan had discussions on the Encrochat network with criminal contacts to discuss ways of moving large shipments of drugs across the world, suggesting various ports in Colombia could be used to bring drugs into Europe.
In June 2020, Khan was arrested by Bedfordshire Police on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs following a targeted warrant in Russell Street, Luton.
During the search of the property, a quantity of cash and an Apple iPhone was found hidden in a bedroom wardrobe.
From June until October, Mr Khan was bailed under investigation. However, during this time, evidence surfaced around Khan’s conspiracy with an OCG who used Encrochat devices to communicate.
Khan, who also went by the alias ‘Uncle’, was later re-arrested but this time on suspicion of conspiring to supply Class A drugs.
Officers searched addresses linked to Khan and identified places inside the properties where Khan had taken pictures and sent them to his contacts through his Enro-handle ‘Wizewords’ between March and June 2020.
Costello detectives used information held within the system’s servers to link Rangzeb to an organised crime group who were sentenced last week to 65 years in prison between them.
The iPhone recovered during the original arrest was also linked to Khan and corroborated his role in brokering deals on behalf of the OCG.
Khan, of Russell Street, Luton, was sentenced to serve 13 years and three months at Luton Crown Court on Wednesday 21 June for conspiring to supply a Class A drug.
