In a dramatic turn of events, a notorious drug trafficking ring has been shattered following the conviction of four key operatives responsible for smuggling nearly 500kg of cocaine, with an estimated street value of £17 million.
This major bust comes after an intense, months-long investigation by specialist detectives, leading to the conviction of a Dutch trafficker and his accomplices.
The convicted criminals – Bert De Jong, 59, from the Netherlands; Hussain Sakhi, 22, from Northolt; Zaibaa Zahur, 21, from Uxbridge; and Justyn Morris, 23, from Slough – played a central role in an extensive cross-border drug distribution network.
They were caught in the act as part of a highly targeted operation launched by the Met Police’s Specialist Crime South team.
On Monday, 8 April 2025, all four were convicted following a four-week trial at Kingston Crown Court.
De Jong, the mastermind behind the operation, orchestrated the importation of massive cocaine shipments into the UK, while his British counterparts, Morris, Sakhi, and Zahur, were involved in the onward distribution across London.
The conspiracy, which spanned several months, came to a head during a high-stakes handover in Norwich in July 2024. Morris, driving a van, picked up a large consignment of cocaine from De Jong, which was hidden inside cardboard boxes.
However, police were already on their tail, intercepting the van before it could complete the delivery.
In a daring move, officers uncovered 70kg of cocaine – a significant portion of the syndicate’s stash, worth up to £2.5 million.
Further investigation revealed the true extent of the operation, with drug ledgers detailing the movement of nearly 500kg of cocaine across the capital, fueled by lorries and covert meetings.
According to Met Police, the investigation uncovered a chilling network of high-level coordination, with each member playing a pivotal role in the distribution of illegal substances.
De Jong’s involvement in the cross-border trade was confirmed when evidence surfaced showing ‘tokens’ sent to his UK contacts, signaling the successful delivery of illicit drugs.
Met Police investigators have praised the operation’s success, with Detective Constable Leon Ure stating: “This case highlights the meticulous work of our Specialist Crime South team, who have dismantled a highly sophisticated and dangerous network. Drug dealing destroys lives and communities, and we are committed to holding offenders accountable.”
The convicted traffickers are set to be sentenced on Friday, 11 April, at Kingston Crown Court, marking the end of a thrilling investigation that saw multiple arrests and the confiscation of millions of pounds worth of drugs.
