£1 Million Cannabis Haul Seized in Heathrow Airport Sting
Border Force officers pulled off a major bust at Heathrow on Monday, 8 February 2021, uncovering two pallet-loads of cannabis hidden inside a shipment of computer cases.
The stash, worth around £1 million, had flown in from Canada and was destined for a business address in Dartford. Instead, the drugs were confiscated as part of a crackdown by the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate.
Encrypted Chat Platform Cracked – Network Busted
Detectives traced the shipment back to a criminal gang using an illegally encrypted phone system to coordinate their drug smuggling. The international EncroChat platform was cracked in spring 2020, exposing countless crooks.
The gang openly discussed drug routes, hiding spots, and prices on the platform, unaware they were being watched.
Four Sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court
- Kuran Gill, 32, from gravesend/" title="Gravesend" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Gravesend, masterminded the import and distribution of the cannabis and also dealt cocaine. Police seized £105,000 cash from his home after his arrest in April 2021. He pleaded guilty to multiple charges and was sentenced to seven years behind bars.
- Jag Singh, 32, of south-west London, worked closely with Gill. Using the chat name ‘Real Crocodile’, he helped plot the smuggling operation. Singh took a guilty plea and was jailed for four years and nine months.
- Gregory Blacklock, 32, director of the Dartford firm meant to receive the haul, admitted conspiracy and bagged a three-year sentence.
- Govind Bahia, 30, from Gravesend, advised on the cannabis purchase and got three years for conspiracy to import class B drugs.
Detective’s Warning: Crime Doesn’t Pay
“The cracking of the EncroChat mobile phone platform has led to countless criminals being caught red-handed and brought to justice. Organised gangs across Europe thought they could openly discuss their criminal activity, oblivious to the fact the system was not as secure as they thought and that every message they sent was bringing them a step closer to prison,” said Detective Constable Steve Brown.
“Crime does not pay and I am satisfied that those involved in this particular conspiracy are now behind bars where they belong.”
