Major Drug Gang Busted in South Essex
After a tip-off in 2021, South Disruptor Team detectives launched a relentless ten-month probe into a drug ring spreading cocaine and cannabis across south Essex.
£110k Worth of Cocaine Seized in Raids
On 21 July 2022, officers raided three homes linked to the gang. They uncovered cocaine with an eye-watering street value of nearly £110,000, thousands of pounds of cannabis, and around £10,000 in cash.
Leaders Behind South Essex Drug Trade Face Jail
- Mirel Zeneli, 33, from Shenfield, was jailed for six years for conspiracy to supply cocaine after leading the group from September 2021 to July 2022, mainly operating in Chelmsford and other major towns.
- Ben Chadwick, 23, from Billericay, received a three-year sentence for conspiracy to supply both cocaine and cannabis.
- Laurie Landman, 24, also from Billericay, was given a two-year suspended sentence for conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis.
Police Praise Team’s Tireless Efforts
Sergeant Adam Jarvis, who led the lengthy investigation, said:
“The length of the investigation shows the high number of man-hours needed to obtain all the evidence required to bring these three men before the court. But my officers are dedicated to keeping drugs off our streets and out of our county.
“Their attention to detail and perseverance paid off. With over £112k worth of drugs seized and destroyed, they have protected our communities and removed the potential harm and misery the gang would have brought to south Essex.”
