Two men jailed for importing cannabis from South Africa
A crate containing 56kg of herbal cannabis and destined for West Ealing has been intercepted following a joint operation.
In August 2011 the UK Border Agency (UKBA) inspected the crate which contained carvings from South Africa and discovered concealed compartments of cannabis with an approximate street value of up to £155,000..
A proactive investigation conducted by Ealing borough crime squad resulted in the arrest of two males - Kofi Opata and James Brown on 6th September 2011.
Mr Opata,49, of Renton Close, Brixton Hill, SW2, pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity and Brown, 45, of Ruislip Road East, Greenford, UB6 was found guilty at Isleworth Crown court on 14 February 2012.
James Brown, received a 32 month sentence for drug importation.
Kofi Opata, received 18 months.
Detective Constable Anthony Smith, Ealing Police said: "The operation involved local borough officers and UKBA of the London Crime Squad working closely together to find out who was responsible for this crime. This result sends a clear message to anyone involved in this type of offence that Ealing will continue to work hard to tackle drugs."
7th March 2012