Gang sentenced for £1 million cannabis smuggling in Essex

A group of men has been sentenced to a total of 19 years in prison for smuggling cannabis worth £1 million. They hid the drugs in pots that looked like Citronella candles. The cannabis was found by Border Force officers at Tilbury Docks in Essex on April 17, 2023. It had come from Malaga, Spain, and was meant for a business in Bootle, England. Ian Hannah, 56, admitted to his role in the conspiracy. He was linked to the operation through communications and logistics. Three others, Steven Garbutt, 64, Raja Hamid Ali, 39, and Sharukh Ali, 28, denied the charges but were found guilty. Prosecutors described Garbutt as the leader of the group who managed drug deliveries while using his business as a cover. In court, the prosecutor highlighted the substantial value of the cannabis shipment, with its street price estimated between £637,000 and £982,800. Each defendant's background was discussed during sentencing. Garbutt, who is battling health issues, claimed he made poor choices to support his family. Hannah, who ran his own business, had seen it collapse due to his actions. Raja Hamid Ali was noted for influencing others while Sharukh Ali was described as a 'go-between' for the group. Each defendant's family circumstances were mentioned, emphasizing their roles as providers for their families. Garbutt received a sentence of six years. Hannah was sentenced to four years and three months. Raja Hamid Ali got five years and six months, while Sharukh Ali was sentenced to four years.