East London Drug Dealers Busted in County Lines Sting
Nathan Padman, 21, and Irfan Tarik, 43, both from Ilford, East London, have been nailed as the kingpins of the notorious ‘Ashton’ crack and heroin ring. Wiltshire Police’s Operation Fortitude team cracked the case after a painstaking nine-month probe into their county lines drug empire.
Network Exploited Vulnerable Teens and Users
The Ashton crew was using trafficked juveniles and addicted Class A drug users to push their poison across different towns. From January to September 2020, the dealers operated out of Ilford, distributing crack and heroin while hiding behind their young couriers.
In January 2020 alone, the gang supplied Class A drugs to an undercover cop five times before the first arrests rocked the operation. Among those arrested was Shohidur Rahman, 45, of Swindon, who played a crucial supporting role.
Lengths of Jail Time Announced
After months of gathering evidence, police linked Padman, Tarik, and Rahman directly to the Ashton network. All three pleaded guilty to supplying Class A drugs and were sentenced at Swindon Crown Court on December 15.
- Nathan Padman was handed 44 months inside.
- Irfan Tarik got 32 months.
- Shohidur Rahman received 25 months.
Police Praise Investigation as Major Win
“This was an excellent piece of work by the Fortitude team which required a diligent, creative investigation,” said T/DS Gareth Snoad.
“Padman and Tarik caused untold harm by exploiting vulnerable juveniles and drug users, feeding misery across communities.
“I’m delighted we secured convictions and these three men will be locked up for years. County lines dealers beware — no matter where you base yourself, if you supply drugs in Wiltshire, we will track you down.”
