Drug Kingpin Abdul Hamid Jailed for 18 Years over Million-Pound Cocaine Empire
Abdul Hamid is behind bars today, starting an 18-year prison term for running a massive cocaine operation across mid-Essex. The prolific drug line, known as the Tariq network, pumped out cocaine mainly in Chelmsford, Maldon, Heybridge, and the Dengie Peninsula.
Cocaine Empire Made Millions – Laundered Through Fake Businesses
Police uncovered that the drugs line operated up to 20 hours a day, every day, potentially raking in millions in profits. Hamid and his partner, Danielle Stevenson-Roberts, disguised their cash flow through five front businesses in Maldon, including two restaurants and a tanning salon.
The criminal duo splurged their dirty money on luxury assets, buying properties, cars – including flashy Mercedes saloons and a Rolls-Royce – and even land in Tenerife.
Cash Smuggling Busted at Stansted Airport
Officers suspected the pair of smuggling cash between the UK and Tenerife on frequent trips. Their suspicions proved spot on.
On 18 August 2019, Border Force stopped Hamid and Stevenson-Roberts at Stansted Airport with £29,000 stuffed in their luggage. When grilled, they claimed the cash was for a wedding and business sales, but the money was seized.
High-Speed Police Chase and Brutal Crackdown on Drug Gang
The day after the cash bust, Hamid tried to dodge the cops in Latchingdon, crashing into two cars and mounting the pavement in a desperate escape attempt. He was arrested and charged with multiple driving offences.
After a lengthy probe, Hamid, Stevenson-Roberts, and their associates Murshed Uddin and Lloyd Bridge were arrested in February 2020. Andrew Lay, a drug courier, was nabbed the following month. All five pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine. Hamid, Stevenson-Roberts, Uddin, and Bridge faced additional charges for hiding criminal property.
While on remand, Hamid and Uddin were caught with mobile phones in prison, leading to further charges related to contraband electronic devices.
Sentences Handed Down for Essex Drug Gang
- Hamid, 34, jailed for 18 years
- Stevenson-Roberts, 35, locked up for 8 years
- Uddin, 24, sentenced to 7 years and 3 months
- Lloyd Bridge, 32, got 5 years and 2 months behind bars
- Andrew Lay, 37, received a 2-year suspended sentence
Police Praise Team for Taking Down Drug Empire
“Hamid was the head of an organised crime group, directing a network of street dealers selling cocaine in mid Essex,” said Detective Chief Inspector Steve Nelson.
“The drugs sales were prolific and potentially made millions while operating from January 2017 to February 2020. Stevenson-Roberts laundered the cash through legitimate and fake businesses.”
“When Hamid was remanded in custody in 2019, Uddin and Bridge stepped up to run the drugs line. But we dismantled their criminal enterprise, and they are now paying the price.”
“We’ve secured legal restraints on property and more than £300,000 in cash across the UK and Spain, plus seized luxury cars. These assets will be pursued through proceeds of crime hearings.”
“The judge commended our investigative team for their tenacity. Drug lines profit off misery and don’t care about harm in communities. We’re determined to crack down hard and stop these criminals profiting.”
