A drug dealer led two drug lines which made almost £320,000 in a year.

Gafar Bakare, from Campbell Walk in Kings Cross, was in charge of a pair of networks selling class A drugs across Camden and Islington.

Police began to monitor the group in January 2022 and by December 13 that year, eight addresses were raided – including Bakare’s home.

Drugs with an estimated street value of £14,000 were found, along with designer clothes and around £4,000 in cash.

Islington Gazette: A mugshot of Gafar Bakare A mugshot of Gafar Bakare (Image: Met Police)

Key evidence was obtained from a seized phone, as messages showed that he used terms to say he was available to sell drugs.

The 36-year-old appeared at Wood Green Crown Court on May 19, 2023, where he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply crack cocaine and heroin, being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin and possession of criminal property.

At the same court on Monday (April 22) this year, he was jailed for eight years and seven months.

Detective Constable Matt Eggins, who led the investigation, said: “The extensive work involved in this proactive operation shows how committed we are to tackling illegal drug supply.

“Bakare sold large amounts of class A drugs to make as much money as possible - he never thought about the effect on the communities he bought criminality into. He preyed on users of his own product to cover for his role at the head of the network, all for his own financial gain.

“We are doing all we can to tackle this type of crime and would encourage anyone who has information about those involved in drug supply to contact us.”

Four other people were previously found guilty and sentenced:

  • David Turkson, 63, of no fixed address, was convicted of being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin and jailed for 40 months.
  • Anthony Haigh, 30, of no fixed address, was convicted of being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin. He was sentenced to 18 months, suspended for 18 months.
  • Lee Rosser, 36, of no fixed address, was convicted of being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin and sentenced to 16 months in prison, suspended for 18 months.
  • Tara Turbitt, 53, of Papworth Gardens, Islington, was convicted of being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin. She was sentenced to 24 months in prison, suspended for 24 months.