Three men from what the Metropolitan Police call “a Croydon-based drugs ring” have been found guilty and handed sentences of up to 12 years in prison.
12 years: drug dealer Daniel Griffin
Daniel Griffin, 25, of Church Road in Croydon Old Town, was sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment at Croydon Crown Court after being found guilty of the supply and possession of crack cocaine and heroin, and possession of two firearms and live ammunition.
Two of his accomplices pleaded guilty to being involved in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin.
Sonny Panice, 34, from Brunswick Road, Sutton, was sentenced to four years six months’ imprisonment at Croydon Crown Court last Wednesday.
And Cairo Khalid, 22, of Brighton Road, Purley, was given a two-year suspended sentence.
Four years six months: accomplice Sonny Panice
PC Sam Kirk, who led the investigation, said: “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.”
The investigation formed part of the Met’s Operation Yamata, which focuses on dismantling drug supply networks across the city and pursuing those operating them. The Metropolitan Police says it has “closed 1,000 drug lines as a result of this work”.
On March 5, officers raided Griffin’s home address where they discovered several phones used in the supply of drugs, crack cocaine and heroin worth £14,000, a sawn-off shotgun, a rifle and more than 200 rounds of live ammunition.
Griffin was arrested, charged and remanded into custody.
Gang guns: a police raid discovered weapons and drugs
The investigation into Griffin allowed officers to discover the identities of two accomplices, Khalid and Panice. On July 9, officers executed a search warrant at the home address of Panice where they discovered further quantities of Class A drugs. Both Panice and Khalid were arrested the same day.
Suspended sentence: Cairo Khalid
Operation Yamata was established in 2022 to combat drug dealing across the capital. Specialist officers use innovative data techniques to track and dismantle drug lines that facilitate the sale of Class A drugs.
Officers launch investigations into mobile phone lines used to supply drugs. They then track down those operating the lines and arrest them with the assistance of local officers who have expert knowledge of their neighbourhoods.
“This data-led approach ensures the Met’s operations are focused on the most prolific and dangerous individuals, making neighbourhoods safe from the unpredictable violence and devastation the drugs trade causes,” according to the Met.
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