50 Cent’s crew member among drug dealers jailed for over 160 years

By Tolulope Oke

Thirteen members of a major cocaine-trafficking network, including a man who worked on American rapper 50 Cent’s touring team, have been jailed for a combined total of more than 160 years.

Abdirahiim “Samir” Hassan, 37, was sentenced to 18 years and six months at Derby Crown Court after being convicted of conspiracy to supply cocaine and possession of criminal property.

Hassan’s sentence formed part of the more than 160 years collectively handed to the 13 members of the gang.

According to Derbyshire Police, the syndicate transported multiple kilograms of high-purity cocaine into Derbyshire before distributing it to organised crime groups, customers and other dealers.

Investigators said Hassan was involved in large-scale national cocaine trafficking and money laundering.

Based in London, he travelled across the country, mainly by train, to collect large sums of criminal cash for the network.

During his trial, Hassan told the court that he worked in the music industry and was part of 50 Cent’s touring staff.

His defence team submitted a letter from the rapper, whose real name is Curtis James Jackson III, asking the court to vary Hassan’s bail conditions so he could accompany him on a European tour.

The rapper reportedly offered to provide £50,000 towards Hassan’s bail and described him as an essential member of his international team.

There is no suggestion that 50 Cent knew about Hassan’s involvement in cocaine trafficking or any other criminal activity, according to a BBC report republished by AOL.

Other leading members of the network received lengthy sentences, including Harninder Purewal, who was jailed for 20 years, and Dominic Hulland, who received 16 years and six months.

Aaron O’Donnell was sentenced to 14 years and eight months, while Max Bowler and Joshua Keyland each received 13 years and six months.

Police said the investigation uncovered extensive transfers of cocaine and criminal proceeds between members of the network.

Officers also caught O’Donnell preparing 10 kilograms of cocaine for distribution during a raid in May 2024 and recovered nearly £70,000 in cryptocurrency from Hulland.

Detective Inspector Beth Lee said cocaine trafficking fuelled violence, intimidation, exploitation and other forms of harm within communities.

A 14th defendant, Amanda Hutchinson, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine and is scheduled to be sentenced on August 17.