Three men jailed for drug distribution after man dies in south London

Three men from Hendon have been jailed for more than 20 years for drug supply after the death of a man in south London.

The Metropolitan Police have launched an investigation into the death of 44-year-old Alexander Hildred, a “vulnerable man” who collapsed on the street in Bermondsey after suffering a cardiac arrest.

After his death, police checked Alexander’s phone and uncovered a “network” of dealers selling Class A and B drugs.

WhatsApp messages and CCTV footage led police to three north London men involved in the supply of drugs including crystal methamphetamine, cocaine and gamma-hydroxybutyric acid – commonly known as GHB.

All three men, from Sydney Grove, north London, were charged with conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs and possession of criminal property and were sentenced at a hearing at Inner London Crown Court on October 8.

Hadi Salahi, 39, was sentenced to eight years and four months in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A and Class B drugs and possession of criminal property at the same court on September 13, 2023.

Hosein Ghadimi, 31, was sentenced to seven years and two months in prison after pleading guilty in the same court to conspiracy to supply Class A and Class B drugs on August 31, 2023, and possession of criminal property on September 13, 2023 had.

Meysam Ghorbani, 30, was sentenced to four years and nine months in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A and Class B drugs and possession of criminal property at the same court on September 13, 2023.

Detective Sergeant Andy Snazell, who led the investigation as part of the Met’s serious organized crime team, said: “The drug supply has a devastating impact on communities across London and beyond. “It causes addiction, has a devastating impact on health and leads to anti-social behavior and violence.

“With the help of local communities speaking to us and sharing information, our officers are acting quickly to pursue those seeking to cause harm through the supply of drugs.

“We are committed to taking strong action against offenders who impact the lives of those around them, whilst reducing crime in local areas and restoring trust in the Met.”