Aaron Wise, a 33-year-old resident of West Ealing, has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for his involvement in a drug dealing network that operated across west and east London. This comes after a thorough investigation by detectives from the Metropolitan Police.
Wise was described as the mastermind behind the highly-organised group, which distributed cocaine and fueled drug addiction in the city. The investigation, which lasted over a year, involved infiltrating the encrypted EncroChat platform and working closely with the National Crime Agency to gather evidence.
Phone data spanning four years was analyzed to uncover the full extent of the network’s activities. It was revealed in court that the gang supplied over 100kg of cocaine to Londoners between 2019 and 2020, with an estimated street value of £8 million.
Wise was responsible for overseeing the distribution network, dividing the members into drug couriers and cash couriers to evade detection by law enforcement. Despite attempts to evade capture by fleeing the country, Wise was eventually tracked down in Marbella with the help of Spanish authorities.
James Lee, who hails from Kent, remains the only member of the group who is still at large. The rest of the members, including Jack Lee, Gareth Morris, Lee Willetts, Matthew O’Brien, Georgie Norris, Mark Breagan, and Alfie Whitbread, have all been apprehended and sentenced as part of the operation.
The successful prosecution of Aaron Wise and his associates is a significant victory in the fight against drug trafficking in London. It sends a strong message that law enforcement agencies are committed to dismantling criminal networks and holding those responsible accountable for their actions.
The collaboration between the Metropolitan Police, the National Crime Agency, and international partners highlights the importance of cooperation in tackling organized crime. The dedication and hard work of the detectives involved in this case have helped make the streets of London safer for its residents.
As the investigation continues and efforts to locate James Lee persist, the authorities remain vigilant in their pursuit of justice. The sentencing of Aaron Wise marks a milestone in the ongoing battle against drug-related crimes, but the fight is far from over.
