Members of Norfolk-linked drugs gang jailed for 14 years

Timothy Parker, 43, of Fonthill Road in London and Zhulian Kacani, 28, of Colney Hatch Lane in London are the latest from the gang to get prison sentences, bringing the total for the group to 41 years.

An investigation by the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU) found that Parker had arranged to sell cocaine imported by Mexican national Axel Ritter Cruz, who previously lived in King Street in Norwich.

Phone messages revealed Parker was a high-profile drug dealer with a network capable of moving 100kg of cocaine a week.

After Ritter Cruz's digital devices were seized when he was arrested in October 2022, investigators were able to piece together information on his criminal associates.

Parker and Ritter Cruz were in regular contact about the distribution and sale of huge amounts of drugs. 

Conversations included a photo of a suspected 40kg shipment of cocaine and a video appearing to show a block of pressed cocaine.

Kacani was described as being Parker's "right hand man", assisting with his criminal enterprise.

When the pair were arrested last August, officers found a written note at Parker’s address which appeared to reference an import of drugs in shipping containers.

Picture message of cocaine shipment between Parker and Ritter Cruz (Image: Eastern Region Special Operations Unit)

After both being charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine, Parker admitted to the offences and Kacani was found guilty following trial.

At a hearing on March 14, Parker was sentenced to eight years in prison and Kacani was sentenced to six-and-a-half years.

Ritter Cruz, 37, was previously jailed for 16 years after a package of cocaine from Colombia bound for his address was intercepted at Stansted Airport.

Ritter Cruz's associate Daniel Fordham, of Saxon Way in Fakenham, was previously jailed for 10 years after pleading guilty to conspiracy to supply methyl-amphetamine.

Detective Chief Inspector Mike Birch, from ERSOU’s Regional Organised Crime Unit, said: “This investigation shines a light on how many organised crime groups operate – with networks of drug dealers often liaising with each other to further their illicit activities.

“After initially investigating one prominent drug importer, investigators continued to uncover further intelligence around his associates and build a clear picture of how the network was operating.

“Our teams of specialist detectives then worked diligently to identify those involved and establish their respective roles within the criminal hierarchy.

“There’s no doubt the region is a safer place with these men behind bars, and I hope this serves as a stern warning to those who continue to deal drugs within our region."