East London Crack and Heroin Ring Busted in Major County Lines Takedown
Nathan Padman, 21, and Irfan Tarik, 43, from Ilford, East London, have been exposed as key players behind the notorious ‘Ashton’ crack and heroin dealing gang. Wiltshire Police’s Operation Fortitude team uncovered the ruthless network during a probe running from January to September 2020.
Exploiting Vulnerable Kids to Push Class A Drugs
The gang operated out of Ilford, using trafficked juveniles and addicted Class A drug users to sell crack cocaine and heroin. In January 2020, undercover officers bought Class A drugs from the ‘Ashton’ crew on five separate occasions, triggering the first arrests. Among those apprehended was Shohidur Rahman, 45, from Swindon, who provided critical support to the drug ring.
Three Guilty, Jail Sentences Handed Down
The investigation intensified over months as police gathered damning evidence linking Padman, Tarik, and Rahman to the county lines operation. Earlier this year, all three men faced charges of supplying Class A drugs. They pleaded guilty, and the Swindon Crown Court handed down hefty sentences on December 15:
- Nathan Padman – 44 months in prison
- Irfan Tarik – 32 months in prison
- Shohidur Rahman – 25 months in prison
Police Praise Tough Crackdown on County Lines Crime
“This was an excellent piece of detective work by the Fortitude team which required a diligent, creative investigation,” said T/DS Gareth Snoad. “Padman and Tarik were causing untold harm by exploiting vulnerable juveniles and existing drug users for their own gain, perpetuating the misery that drugs cause in societies. “I’m delighted we were able to secure convictions and that the three defendants will be spending the next few years behind bars. “This was a county lines operation and the end result shows it doesn’t matter where you base yourself, if you are supplying drugs in Wiltshire we will track you down.”
