Hove drug dealer reprieved as fellow gang members jailed for 20 years

A drug dealer from Hove was spared prison as fellow gang members were sentenced to a total of more than 20 years.

Saimir Jaho, 31, of Somerhill Avenue, Hove, was caught by Sussex Police as part of Operation Cubic and charged with conspiring to supply cocaine.

He was one of two drivers who delivered the class A drug to users in Worthing after marketing messages were sent out by a county line known as the “Gesti line”.

Jaho was sentenced by Judge Martin Huseyin at Lewes Crown Court to 24 months in prison, suspended for two years.

Sussex Police said today (Wednesday 14 August): “An investigation into six men, involved in the distribution of cocaine between London and the Sussex coast, has now concluded.

“Sussex Police’s Serious Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) led the complex investigation which culminated in the seizure of approximately 850g of cocaine and more than £32,000 in cash.

“Officers discovered that courier Naim Shala had been making regular trips from Wembley to Worthing in his Mazda between June and October 2022.

“He delivered the class A drugs to an address in Pavilion Road where Kristian Buqa took possession and prepared it for street sale.

“It is estimated that approximately 4kg of cocaine were transported between the two locations for supply on the streets during the period. This is estimated to be worth between £313,600 and £392,000.

“Buqa would then distribute it to drivers Christian Violi and Saimir Jaho who in turn delivered it to customers in the local area.

“Through inquiries, SOCU established that Fatma Hasa held the ‘Gesti’ county line in Wembley and instructed the dealers where to distribute the illegal substances. The mobile phone he used to operate the line was also seized.

“All five suspects were subsequently arrested and charged.

“Hasa, 26, of Wembley Hill Road, Wembley, was charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine and acquiring, using or possessing criminal property.

“Buqa, 31, of Pavilion Road, Worthing, was charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine.

“Shala, 45, of Vale Close, Newport, was charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine.

“Jaho, 31, of Somerhill Avenue, Hove, was charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine.