Aaron Wise, a 33-year-old man from West Ealing, has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for his involvement in a cocaine distribution network. This marks the eighth member of the group to be jailed after an extensive investigation by Metropolitan Police detectives.
The drug network, known for distributing cocaine throughout west and east London, was brought down after officers spent over a year collecting evidence. The group operated in a highly-organized manner, using encrypted platforms like EncroChat to avoid detection.
With the assistance of the National Crime Agency, detectives launched a covert operation to uncover the extent of the network’s activities. By analyzing four years of phone data, they discovered that the group had supplied over 100kg of cocaine to Londoners in 2019-2020, valued at approximately £8 million.
Aaron Wise was identified as the mastermind behind the network, responsible for overseeing the division of roles between drug couriers and cash couriers. This intricate system made it challenging for law enforcement to track down the individuals involved.
Despite attempts to evade capture by fleeing the country, Wise was eventually located in Marbella, Spain, through a collaborative effort between the Met Police and Spanish authorities. Currently, James Lee from Kent remains the only member of the group who is still at large.
Alongside Wise, several other individuals have been sentenced as part of the operation. These include Jack Lee from Welling, Gareth Morris from Greenwich, Lee Willetts from Greenford, Matthew O’Brien from Ruislip Gardens, Georgie Norris from Hanwell, Mark Breagan from Hanwell, and Alfie Whitbread from Hanwell. Each individual played a role in the drug distribution network and has faced consequences for their actions.
The successful prosecution of these individuals highlights the dedication of law enforcement in combating drug-related crimes in the community. By dismantling such networks, authorities aim to reduce drug addiction and the associated social harm caused by illegal drug trafficking. The collaborative efforts of multiple agencies have proven to be effective in bringing offenders to justice and making the streets safer for residents.
