South London Gang Gunman Jailed for 24 Years as Police Smash Teen Drug Empire
Gunman Ayman Benhalima Caught and Convicted
A 22-year-old gang gunman from Norwood has been locked up for 24 years following a major Met Police crackdown. Ayman Benhalima pleaded guilty to attempted murder, possession with intent to supply cannabis, and possession of criminal property. The chilling shooting took place on 16 December 2024 when Benhalima opened fire at a rival gang member’s Audi. Miraculously, nobody was hurt.
Teen Drug Network Uncovered
Police didn’t stop at the shooting. The investigation unearthed a sinister drug operation exploiting teenage girls and women to smuggle cannabis into London all the way from Thailand. Giovanni Bennett, 23, from Croydon, also admitted to drug importation and criminal property charges. He used Snapchat to lure young women into the scheme.
Music Video Key to Police Bust
The Met’s Trident unit cracked the case using CCTV, phone data, and an unexpected piece of evidence — a music video filmed on the night of the shooting. The video showed the suspects wearing the same clothes as the gunmen. Police rushed to their homes and seized drugs, cash, and photos detailing the drug ring’s inner workings.
“Firearm offences devastate victims, families and communities,” said Detective Inspector Ray Sekalongo, lead investigator. “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’s Hard-Hitting Gang Crime Results
- Serious organised crime disruptions up 32.6% in the past year.
- Firearm discharges in London down over 88% since 2018/19.
- 260 vulnerable youngsters protected from gang involvement in the last 12 months.
Thanks to bold Trident operations and covert street sweeps, the Met is stripping London’s gangs of their weapons and drugs – making the capital safer with every bust.
Giovanni Bennett awaits sentencing next month for his role in the drug ring.
