Conversations between a major drug dealer and a Mexican importer helped police put several members of their network behind bars.

Timothy Parker, 43, of Fonthill Road, Finsbury Park, was a prominent drug dealer with an established network to import and move 100kg of cocaine a week.

He arranged to sell cocaine imported by Axel Ritter Cruz, a Mexican national who was jailed last year for drugs offences. 

When Ritter Cruz was arrested, investigators found conversations between him and Parker including a photo of a suspected 40kg shipment of cocaine and a separate video appearing to show a block of pressed cocaine. 

Zhulian Kacani, 28, of Colney Hatch Lane in Muswell Hill, was described as Parker’s right-hand man. 

The pair were both arrested in August last year and charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine. 

On Thursday (March 14) Parker was jailed for eight years while Kacani was jailed for six and a half years. 

Previously Ritter Cruz, 37, of King Street in Norwich, was jailed for 16 years. 

Another member of the gang, Danield Fordham, of Saxon Way in Fakenham, had previously been jailed for ten years. 

Detective Chief Inspector Mike Birch, from Eastern Region Special Operations Unit' Regional Organised Crime Unit, said: “This investigation shines a light on how many organised crime groups operate – with networks of drug dealers often liaising with each other to further their illicit activities. 

“After initially investigating one prominent drug importer, investigators continued to uncover further intelligence around his associates and build a clear picture of how the network was operating. 

“Our teams of specialist detectives then worked diligently to identify those involved and establish their respective roles within the criminal hierarchy. 

“There’s no doubt the region is a safer place with these men behind bars, and I hope this serves as a stern warning to those who continue to deal drugs within our region."