Three Croydon Men Locked Up Over Crack Cocaine, Heroin & Guns
Three men have been sentenced following a major drug and firearms investigation by the Metropolitan Police in Croydon. This bust is part of the Met’s ongoing crackdown on drug-fuelled violence across London.
Kingpin Gets 12 Years
Daniel Griffin, 25, from Church Road, Croydon, was hit with a hefty 12-year sentence at Croydon Crown Court on 30 August. He was found guilty of supplying and possessing crack cocaine and heroin, plus hoarding two firearms and live ammo.
Accomplices Punished
Griffin’s two cronies also faced justice. Sonny Panice, 34, from Sutton, got four-and-a-half years for his role in the drug supply. Meanwhile, 22-year-old Cairo Khalid from Purley received a two-year suspended sentence. Both admitted to dealing crack and heroin.
Met Police Strike Back
PC Sam Kirk, lead investigator, told us: “Drugs ruin lives. The damage they cause to individuals and communities is far-reaching. That’s why I am immensely proud of the officers involved in this investigation. Our sustained efforts to tackle drug supply is an important step in reducing violence on the streets. This investigation should serve as a message to criminals and gang members involved in the supply of drugs – we will come after you and we will bring you to justice.”
Inside Operation Yamata
This crackdown was part of the Met’s Operation Yamata, launched in 2022 to stamp out drug networks across London. Since then, the operation has shut down over 1,000 drug lines and hauled countless criminals before the courts.
The cops identified Griffin as the boss of a south London drug line. A raid on 5 March at his home uncovered mobile phones linked to dealing, £14,000 worth of crack and heroin, a sawn-off shotgun, a rifle, and over 200 live rounds. Griffin was arrested on the spot.
Further inquiries led to Panice and Khalid. A raid on Panice’s home on 9 July found more Class A drugs. Both were arrested that day and charged.
Operation Yamata uses data-led tactics to target the city’s worst offenders, aiming to make neighbourhoods safer from drug-related violence and chaos.
