Southampton: Four sentenced for importing cannabis from US

Three men were jailed and a female co-defendant received a suspended sentence following an investigation by the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit.

Cannabis and a large amount of cash were seized during the inquiry.

Adrian Best, 31, of Nettlestone, Netley Abbey, Isak Mohamed, 33, of Kingsfield Gardens, Bursledon, and Reece Joseph, 32, of Tremaine Grove, Hemel Hempstead, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to import and supply cannabis.

They were each jailed for four years and eight months at Southampton Crown Court.

Adrian Best (Image: SEROCU)

Isak Mohamed (Image: SEROCU)

Reece Joseph (Image: SEROCU)

Tinotenda Pfupajena, 36, of Neva Road, Southampton was sentenced to 22 months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years. She must also complete 25 days of rehabilitation activity requirement and 120 hours of unpaid work.  

Pfupajena pleaded guilty to conspiracy to evade a prohibition on importation of a class B controlled drug.

Cannabis recovered during the investigation (Image: SEROCU)

The cash seized (Image: SEROCU)

A SEROCU spokesperson said: "Between January 2018 and October 2019, Best, Mohamed, and Joseph worked together to import cannabis from the US to the UK using bitcoin to pay for the drugs.  

"Once in the UK, the drugs were delivered to numerous addresses in the Southampton area, some of which were controlled and occupied by Pfupajena. The cannabis was then advertised and sold via social media. 

"All four were charged on 1 September 2021."

The investigating officer, Investigating officer, Detective Constable Emily Trevillion, added: "Following a lengthy investigation, we have seen four people sentenced for their part in a sophisticated operation.  

“The group worked together to import vast quantities of cannabis across international borders using cryptocurrency and online accounts in the hope that they would not be identified.  

“However, they have been disrupted as a result of SEROCU’s dedicated and hard-working investigative teams.  

“The wide impact of drug dealing causes untold damage to people’s lives and SEROCU will continue to disrupt and tackle these offenders to protect the communities that we serve.  

“This case highlights the capabilities SEROCU has to identify those involved in organised crime and this result shows that anyone involved in offences of this nature will be found and brought to justice."

Anyone with information about the supply of drugs in their community can contact Hampshire on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.