Police have successfully dismantled a major drug empire in Newcastle, resulting in the imprisonment of Kohi Choudhury, Sabir Ahmed, and Arif Shomel for their roles in a large-scale drugs conspiracy. The crackdown in July 2021 led to the seizure of £29,000 worth of class A drugs.
The investigation began in October 2020 when authorities intercepted suspicious packages being sent across the Atlantic. The North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU), in partnership with Northumbria Police, Border Force, and the National Crime Agency (NCA), launched a comprehensive probe into the operation.
During a raid on a property on Stanton Street in Newcastle, officers discovered a high-tech drug laboratory. The search uncovered over 80kg of Class C drugs, industrial pill presses, and packaging equipment. Further inquiries revealed the existence of a dark web drug operation selling substances worldwide, with transactions conducted using cryptocurrency.
Twenty-six-year-old Kohi Choudhury emerged as the prime suspect. After a brief release, he was rearrested in July 2021 when Border Force intercepted two additional drug packages bound for the United States. Subsequent raids revealed a second advanced drug lab on Lancaster Street, equipped with a pill press capable of producing 5,000 pills per hour, along with mixers, grinders, and other drug manufacturing tools.
Police seized 40,000 tablets, bulking agents, and 2kg of crystallised MDMA and ecstasy, with an estimated street value of £29,000.
Sentencing saw Kohi Choudhury receive 14 years in prison along with a 3-year Serious Crime Prevention Order. Sabir Ahmed was sentenced to 3 years and 6 months, while Arif Shomel received a 2-year sentence.
Detective Sergeant Hayley Turner-Douglass commented, “This was a very complex investigation into large-scale drug supply spanning two continents. Thanks to fantastic collaboration between agencies, we dismantled a sophisticated criminal ring profiting thousands of pounds.”
She added, “These criminals hid behind false identities and legitimate businesses, but we exposed their lies. This kind of criminality won’t be tolerated in our communities.”
Police have issued warnings about the dangers of purchasing drugs online or via the dark web. “Unlicensed drugs made by people like Choudhury pose serious risks to users,” they said.
Operation Sentinel continues to target illegal drug suppliers. The public is encouraged to report any suspected drug activity through police websites or by calling 101. Anonymous reports can also be made to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Originally published by UKNIP.
