Three men from Hendon have been sentenced to over 20 years in prison for supplying drugs following the death of a man in south London.

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

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

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

All three men of Sydney Grove were charged with conspiracy to supply Class A and Class 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' imprisonment, having pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A and Class B drugs and possession of criminal property at the same court on 13 September 2023.

Hosein Ghadimi, 31, was sentenced to seven years and two months' imprisonment, having pleaded guilty at the same court to conspiracy to supply Class A and Class B drugs on 31 August 2023 and possession of criminal property on 13 September 2023.

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

Detective Sergeant Andy Snazell, who led the investigation as part of the Met’s Serious Organised Crime team, said: “The supply of drugs has devastating consequences for communities across London and beyond. It causes addiction, has devastating health impacts, and leads to anti-social behaviour and violence.

“With the help of local communities talking to us and sharing information our officers are acting swiftly to pursue those who seek to cause harm by supplying drugs.

“We are determined to robustly deal with offenders who impact the lives of those around them while driving down crime in local areas and restoring trust and confidence in the Met.”