Thirteen people have been sentenced to a combined total of over 160 years for their roles in a cocaine trafficking conspiracy. Among those jailed is Samir Hassan, who claimed to be part of the touring staff for U.S. rapper 50 Cent.

The group was responsible for bringing multiple kilograms of high-purity cocaine into Derbyshire, England, which was then distributed to customers and other dealers. The East Midlands Special Operations Unit investigated the network over several months, documenting transfers of cocaine and criminal cash.

Samir Hassan, 37, of Shepherd's Bush, West London, was found guilty of conspiracy to supply cocaine and possession of criminal property. His defense team presented a letter from 50 Cent, whose real name is Curtis James Jackson III, to the court seeking bail variations so Hassan could accompany him on a European tour. Hassan was sentenced to 18 years and six months.

Other key figures in the conspiracy included Tony Lewis, involved in high-level drug supply including heroin, and who traveled to Dubai as part of his criminal activities. Lewis was sentenced to 11 years for conspiracy to supply cocaine, conspiracy to supply heroin, being concerned in the supply of cannabis, and the transfer of criminal property.

Harninder Purewal, 47, of Derby, was found guilty of conspiracy to supply cocaine and received a 20-year sentence. Aaron O'Donnell, 36, of Sinfin, Derby, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine, being concerned in the supply of cannabis, and possession of criminal property, and was jailed for 14 years and eight months. Dominic Hulland, 29, of Chaddesden, Derby, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine and possession of criminal property and was sentenced to 16 years and six months.

Investigations revealed that significant quantities of cocaine were supplied by Nasar Ali and Usman Majeed from Manchester. Both have been previously convicted, with Majeed jailed for over 15 years and Ali receiving over 11 years for Class A drug offenses. The estimated amount supplied by Ali and Majeed was between 1,600 to 2,400 kilograms.

Other defendants and their sentences include:

  • Max Bowler, 30, jailed for 13 years and six months.
  • Alan Hulland, 54, jailed for nine years.
  • Nicholas Cleary, 32, jailed for seven years and six months.
  • Jordan Hudson, 31, jailed for 10 years.
  • Joshua Keyland, 35, jailed for 13 years and six months.
  • Lucas Sankey, 29, jailed for eight years and six months.
  • Valentino Talic, 30, jailed for eight years.
  • Kyle Steadman, 32, jailed for 12 years.

A fourteenth person, Amanda Hutchinson, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine and is awaiting sentencing.

Detective Inspector Beth Lee stated that tackling those at the top of the chain is crucial to cutting off supply and reducing the associated harm to communities.