A notorious drug gang leader who likened himself to infamous Colombian cartel boss Pablo Escobar has been jailed.
Shahen Ahmed was apprehended by police after they discovered his involvement in three major Class A drug distribution operations.
Operating under the name ‘Killah’ between December 2021 and June 2022, Ahmed’s illicit activities came to light through a video where he boasted about his crimes, even referring to himself as ‘Pablo’ and claiming control over the streets.
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The 34-year-old was specifically targeted by law enforcement as part of Operation Yamata, which aims to dismantle drug supply chains in the capital and apprehend those behind them.
On June 28, 2022, officers executed a search warrant at Ahmed’s residence on Stevedore Street, Wapping, in east London, as well as at another property associated with him.
The raids uncovered a significant stash of Class A drugs along with over £60,000 in cash.
Ahmed was swiftly arrested and taken into custody, later being charged and denied bail, according to reports by VKNews24.com.
He appeared before Snaresbrook Crown Court on September 13, where he received a nine-and-a-half-year sentence for his role in the distribution of Class A substances.
Detective Inspector Sam Bennett, who leads Operation Yamata, commented: “We seized a number of electronic devices from Ahmed. Upon examination, my team discovered a video of him proudly boasting to an unidentified individual about his criminal ventures, referring to himself as ‘Pablo’ and claiming to run the streets.
“Drugs are intrinsically tied to violence and devastation in our communities. They destroy lives and wreck neighborhoods. It’s deeply troubling to see someone like Ahmed speak so openly and proudly about his role in this.
“But this only fuels our resolve to bring individuals like him to justice. Thanks to my team’s relentless efforts, Ahmed now shares something else with his idol – a lengthy prison sentence.”
Investigations also revealed that Ahmed had laundered more than £600,000 of illegal funds through his business accounts.
Detectives from the Met’s Economic Crime Unit are now focusing on reclaiming these profits under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
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