Watford drug gang jailed for over 33 years for supply and exploitation
They were found guilty of supplying Class A and B drugs and trafficking a vulnerable girl
Five men involved in a drug trafficking ring operating in Watford have been sentenced to over 33 years behind bars.
They were found guilty of supplying Class A and B drugs and trafficking a vulnerable girl to aid their criminal endeavours.
Jakub Hostacny, a 24-year-old from Arliss Court, Watford, received a sentence of five years and two months.
Shakir Bugembe, 24, of Surrey Lane, London, and Imad Lamin, 22, of Eskdale Avenue, Northolt, were both given eight years and six months each.
Rahim Ssenyonga, 23, of Frithwood Avenue, Northwood, received six years and three months, while Rajwan Miah, 38, of Walnut Tree Road, Hounslow, was jailed for three years and seven months.
Additionally, Lamin was sentenced to one year, and Hostacny to eight months, for their role in trafficking the exploited girl.
Authorities are pursuing a Slavery and Trafficking Prevention Order against Hostacny and Lamin.
The police began their investigation in August 2024 after a missing teenage girl from London was traced to a hotel in Watford.
Upon discovering drug paraphernalia and various substances worth around £2,000 at the location, the authorities expanded their investigation.
A major operation on 11th December 2024 enabled the police to raid multiple properties.
At Arliss Court, they found Hostacny and Lamin, £6,000 in cash, drug equipment, and a phone linked to the ‘Tony Stark’ drug line.
Miah was located at a property in Hounslow, where drugs worth over £8,500 were discovered.
Additional finds included class A and B drugs valued at £28,000 at Sligo House, Watford.
Bugembe was apprehended on Exchange Road, Watford, carrying a phone linked to drug transactions and cash.
Hostacny, Miah, and Ssenyonga pled guilty to various drug charges linked to the ‘Tony Stark’ line operating between April and December 2024.
The court convicted Bugembe in July 2025 after a short jury deliberation, while Lamin admitted guilt during his trial.
Detective Sergeant Christopher Cowell stated, “This operation dismantled a gang supplying drugs to Watford and exploiting a child. The sentences significantly impact the local drug trade and offer justice for the exploited youth.”