Nine sentenced over Luton-to-Worcester Class A drug supply network

More than £600,000 of drugs estimated to have been trafficked as part of organised crime investigation

Selection of Illegal drugs
Author: Minnie Leigh Published 14th Jul 2025
Last updated 14th Jul 2025

Nine individuals involved in a Class A drug supply network travelling from Luton to Worcester have been sentenced, following a detailed investigation by West Mercia Police’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit (SOCU).

The group, who ran the so-called ‘Nico’ line, made at least 24 journeys transporting cocaine, crack cocaine, and heroin- estimated to be worth over £600,000- into Worcester. Some members also flaunted designer watches and large sums of cash on social media.

Sentencing took place on Friday 11 July:

Hashim Malik, 29, Roydon Close, Luton – 9 years, 2 months

Muhiz Jamshed, 24, Dallow Road, Luton – 5 years, 2 months

Max Didcote, 21, Victoria Street, Worcester – 4 years, 10 month

Saood Ali, 24, Lark Hill, Worcester – 4 years, 2 months

Karim Moustati, 23, Grasmere Drive, Worcester – 4 years

Hussain Akhtar, 42, St Pauls Street, Worcester – 2 years, 7 months

Talor Benford, Links Way, Luton – 1 year, 3 months

Myles Price, 20, Worcester – 2-year suspended sentence

Amy Deacon, Victoria Street, Worcester – 2-year suspended sentence

Detective Constable Chris Dougan, from West Mercia Police’s SOCU, said:

“This was a large and detailed investigation that led to an organised crime group being dismantled. In doing so, we’ve prevented hundreds of thousands of pounds' worth of Class A drugs from hitting the streets of Worcester.

“I am pleased to see the key players receive significant prison sentences that reflect the seriousness of their crimes. Putting the gang behind bars for several years can only be a good thing for Worcester.”

The network was dismantled following a coordinated operation in 2024, which included armed arrests and resulted in the seizure of more than 6kg of Class A substances. Investigators also uncovered attempts by Saood Ali to purchase a firearm from Talor Benford on more than one occasion.

This sentencing concludes a major operation under Operation Target, aimed at disrupting serious organised crime across Herefordshire, Worcestershire, and Shropshire.