South West Drug Gang Dismantled: Kingpin Slapped with 17 Years
A major organised crime gang pushing millions worth of hard drugs across the South West has finally been crushed by police. The ringleader, Anes Troudi, and his crew have been handed hefty jail sentences at Bristol Crown Court.
EncroChat Bust Cracks Open Drug Network
The breakthrough came thanks to the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU) as part of the international Operation Venetic crackdown. They shut down EncroChat, the secret messaging system favoured by crooks. Despite this, Troudi kept running the show using another encrypted phone.
Gang Members Locked Up
- Anes Troudi, 40, from Fishponds, got 17 years for conspiracy to supply up to 50kg of cocaine worth £5 million.
- Adnan Malik, 33, from St Annes, hauled 9 years for dealing 6kg of cocaine supplied by Troudi. Police seized flashy assets worth over £100k, including jewellery, designer gear, and a Porsche from his home.
- Gary Browne, 39, of Radstock, received 7 years 6 months for taking part in the cocaine supply and caught red-handed with cocaine, cannabis and £32,000 in cash.
- Carl Powell, 50, from Paulton, Browne’s trusted mate, got a suspended sentence for helping hide the drugs.
Police and CPS Praise Tough Sentences
“Troudi, Malik, and Browne were embedded in organised crime, and I’m pleased to see the court handing down significant sentences to them,” said DI Matt Houghton of SWROCU. “The assets seized from Malik alone show the massive profits and lavish lifestyle financed by harmful drugs.”
Ben Samples, Head of CPS South West’s Complex Casework Unit, added: “This sends a loud message: we won’t tolerate drug dealing and will prosecute anyone caught supplying dangerous drugs.”
