Greenford Man Convicted Of Being Head Of Drug Gang
Lodvik Guraj had lavish lifestyle after selling over 40 kilos of cocaine
Guraj was filmed throwing cash around a night club
A man from Greenford has been jailed for 15 years after being found guilty of supplying more than 40 kilograms of Class A drugs to users in London and the South East. He claimed he had been coerced into selling the drugs but police found ample evidence of his lavish lifestyle funded by the proceeds of crime and concluded he was the head of a major drug dealing network. This included a film of him throwing cash from a wad of notes around a night club.
33-year-old Lodvik Guraj, of Red Lion Court, was arrested on 7 December 2016 after a number of warrants were executed at addresses linked to him.
After being charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs (cocaine) between April 2016 and December 2017, he admitted the offences and was convicted and sentenced on Tuesday, 19 March at Snaresbrook Crown Court.
Detectives from the Met’s Organised Crime Command leading the investigation into Guraj discovered that he had embarked on a spending spree on the proceeds. After seizing his mobile devices, officers uncovered videos of him displaying his wealth through the purchase of expensive jewellery, holidays, and designer clothing.
Through extensive forensic investigation, officers were able to prove Guraj used more than 42 different mobile telephones for criminal activity.
The devices showed Guraj had been in contact with 14 other individuals who have all since been convicted and sentenced for drug trafficking offences.
The parallel investigations proved the 14 others were drug couriers, suppliers, and distributors all working as part of an organised crime network, with Guraj playing a leading role in the supply of cocaine into London and various home counties.
Lodvik Guraj in a sports car bought with drug money
Detective Superintendent Neil Ballard, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, said, “During his trial, Guraj attempted to present himself as a victim acting under duress who was only involved in the supply of Class A drugs to pay off large debts.
Lodvik Guraj
“As a result of the tenacious and meticulous investigation carried out by officers from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, we were able to present evidence clearly showing that Guraj was benefiting from the profits of Class A drugs supply.
“Through covert operations officers seized significant amounts of Class A drugs and cash.
“The courts have sentenced those connected to Guraj to more than 140 years’ imprisonment and we have managed to totally disrupt this Organised Criminal Network, headed by Guraj.
“The sentence should stand as a deterrent to others and send a clear message that the Met will continue to identify and target those involved in serious and organised crime.
March 21, 2019