UK Drug Empire Busted: Tawiah and Gang Given 70 Years
Darryl Tawiah, 42, from Southwark, London, was already behind bars on an 18-year sentence for drugs and firearms offences when he got nabbed again last year by the National Crime Agency (NCA). The hardnut was caught running a major drug ring straight from prison!
Prison Phone Chats Uncover Massive Drug Network
Tawiah used prison phones to plot with a Netherlands-based drug supplier, who himself had a history of cocaine imports. Even after being deported early, the Dutch trafficker stayed under tight investigation in his homeland.
Wiretaps revealed Tawiah sourcing wholesale Class A drugs and directing their sale across London and the South East. The gang reportedly moved a staggering two tonnes of top-grade narcotics!
In one chilling chat, the Dutch contact said: “I want you to move 50 a week, don’t talk to me about one.” Tawiah fired back: “No problem Bro… I need to get more money in…”
‘Coffee’ and ‘2C’ on Supply List
Tawiah openly discussed buying cocaine in bulk and slang for heroin, known as ‘coffee’. He also queried about “2C” — street talk for liquid GHB, a drug linked to ‘date rape’ incidents in swanky West End areas like Knightsbridge, Mayfair, and Chelsea.
Gang Members and Couriers Snared
- Steven Johnson, 37, handled drug deliveries across London.
- Rosemond Agyemang, 59, laundered millions in drug cash; caught with thousands in cash near Oval station in 2019.
- Dorian Vaciulis, 34, worked for the Dutch supplier collecting drugs and cash.
- Ali Reza Shokrolahi, 41, a lorry driver, linked to 30kg of cocaine seized at UK border but skipped bail.
- Faisal Guled, 34, a Dutch national in Camden, ran a county line from London to Northampton.
All were arrested last March and charged with Class A drug offences and money laundering. Tawiah, Johnson, Vaciulis, and Guled have now been hit with a combined 70 years behind bars. Agyemang was jailed for one year last year.
NCA Warns Drug Dealers: We’re Coming For You
Jason Hulme, NCA Operations Manager, said:
“This three-year probe smashed a ruthless gang that flooded UK streets with tonnes of cocaine — fuelling addiction, violence and exploitation.”
“Tawiah’s network did his dirty work, lining their pockets with huge profits.”
“Thanks to our teams, plus the Dutch police and Dublin’s Criminal Assets Bureau, we’ve locked these criminals up and sent a clear message to anyone tempted to follow in their footsteps.”
“One crook, Ali Reza Shokrolahi, remains on the run. If you know where he is, call the NCA on 0370 496 7622 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
