The group, aged between 17 and 24, were sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court yesterday (Tuesday, 28 November) for running lines across Epping, Loughton, Debden, Waltham Abbey, and Chingford in London.

As part of this activity, they used violence, exploited vulnerable people, and used children as young as 12 to supply drugs for them.

Officers from Essex Police’s Op Raptor team carried out a lengthy and complex investigation which culminated in nine warrants being executed in December 2021.

During these warrants, a large amount of drugs and weapons were seized.

Shakeel Mollony, 22, of Farthings Close, Chingford, was jailed for three years and three months for conspiracy to supply a Class A drug and possession with intent to supply a Class B drug;

Jack Albertson, 21, of Powell Drive, Chingford, was jailed for two years and five months for conspiracy to supply a Class A drug and possession with intent to supply a Class B drug;

Anis Houadef, 19, of Pyrles Lane, Loughton, was jailed for two years and five months for being concerned in the supply of a Class A drug and possession with intent to supply a Class A drug;

George Edwards, 21, of Terminus Street, Harlow was jailed for nine months for conspiracy to supply a Class A drug and being concerned in the supply of a Class B drug;

Sam Bauer, 24, of The Street, Little Dunmow, was jailed for six months for conspiracy to supply a Class A drug, being concerned in the supply of a Class B drug;

Tommy Albertson, 19, of Powell Drive, Chingford, was given a two-year community order and told to carry out 160 hours of unpaid work for conspiracy to supply a Class A drug;

Rehaan Mehmood, 18, of Lawrence Hill, Chingford, was handed a two-year community order and told to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work for conspiracy to supply a Class A drug, possession with intent to supply a Class A drug, possession of a knife or sharp pointed article in a public place;

A 17 year-old boy was given an eight-month youth rehabilitation order for conspiracy to supply a Class A drug and possession with intent to supply a Class B drug;

Sabrino Hadjeraj, 19, of Colville Road, Leyton, was given a two-year community order for Conspiracy to supply a Class A drug.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Emily Larkin said: “Drugs are a poison which pollute our communities, destroying lives in the process.

“This group had, effectively, taken over some of the areas in which they were operating, causing chaos and harm to local residents.

“They used ruthless tactics to exploit vulnerable people and progress their illicit activity.

“This has been a long and complex investigation but I am pleased we have now been able to bring them to justice.”