Tarian: Last two sentenced in Operation Bluebell

The last two men convicted for drugs offences as part of Operation Bluebell have been sent to prison.

Mirsad Nerguti, 21, Qazim Hodollari, 38, both from the London area, appeared before Cardiff Crown Court on Monday, January 29, where they were sentenced to six years and six months and seven years and eight months respectively.

The men will join seven others in prison who were sentenced earlier this month to more than 82 years behind bars for similar offences.

During the investigation by Tarian, the Regional Organised Crime Unit for southern Wales cash, drugs and suspected drug dealing paraphernalia was seized, including:

• Approximately £100,000 cash.
• Around 1000 cannabis plants.
• 18kg of cannabis.
• 7kg of cocaine.
• Cash counting machines and industrial weighing scales.

Detective Sergeant Peter Kelly said:

“The sentencing of Nerguti and Hodollari means that nine people who deal in drugs and bring misery to the communities of southern Wales are now safely behind bars where they will have plenty of time to think about the harm they have brought to others.

“Operation Bluebell is an investigation led by Tarian which involved an Organised Crime Group based in Cardiff who were responsible for sourcing multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine and distributing it throughout South Wales.

“The investigation resulted in several seizures, totalling 7 kilograms of cocaine (estimated street value of almost £600,000), 18 kilograms of cannabis (estimated street value of £175,000), about £100,000 in cash along with the dismantling of an industrial sized cannabis cultivation located in Lampeter which had the potential street value of over £500,000.

“Tarian will continue to tackle the misery drugs cause to our communities. The success of this investigation to date demonstrates that we will relentlessly pursue those involved in large scale criminality to ensure effective justice is sought against such individuals and they are brought before the courts.

“If you suspect drug dealing is taking place or you are concerned that a young person or vulnerable adult may have been targeted by an organised crime group, please tell us. You don’t have to be certain, just concerned.

“Call us on 101 or if you prefer you can contact Crimestoppers to report anonymously – online or by calling 0800 555 111. If someone is in immediate danger or a crime is taking place you should always dial 999.”