Partner of Crime Group Leader Ordered to Pay £48,000 After Profiting £174,000 from Drugs
Aurelia Sterian, aged 28, has been instructed to repay £48,000 despite making a total of £174,000 from participating in drug-related activities. The organised crime group, led by Tufial Akthar, aged 41, based in Cardiff, was apprehended with drugs valued at £219,000, including heroin and cocaine. Sterian, the partner of Akthar, found herself in court after an investigation headed by the regional organised crime unit, Tarian. The criminal proceedings began on August 24, 2021, when Akthar engaged with Jamie Davies, 30, Rhydian Charles, 27, and Grant Clarke, 29, who had journeyed from Llanelli to Cardiff.
Subsequently, Davies received a kilogram of cocaine from Akthar, and then placed it in Clarke’s vehicle. However, Clarke was intercepted by authorities on his return to Llanelli, and the cocaine was seized during a search of the car. Prior to this meeting, Davies had been in communication with Ethan James, 29, and Dominic Isaacs, 34. Between September and October 2021, there were ongoing conversations between Akthar and London-based dealer Khadar Mire, aged 37. Operation Solidago, the ensuing investigation, saw Mire visiting Cardiff on September 29 to meet Akthar, Sterian, and Abdi Dualeh, aged 29. They were observed carrying heavily laden holdalls upon entering a flat leased by Sterian.
On November 22, courier Hafiz Aslam, aged 36, was halted in London as he returned to Wales and found to be carrying 4.5kg of heroin. December 3 involved discussions between Akthar, Dualeh, and Mohamoud Goth, aged 39, with arrangements for Dualeh to lodge at Goth’s residence. Leighton Morris, aged 53, a customer of heroin from Briton Ferry, was also mentioned in the conversations. Morris was intercepted by authorities on his way back to Briton Ferry and found to be in possession of half a kilogram of heroin.
Akthar and Goth were apprehended on December 14, resulting in the seizure of various items from Goth’s flat, such as weighing scales, small plastic bags, cutting agents, and significant quantities of cocaine, crack cocaine, and heroin. A search of Akthar’s residence in Roath, Cardiff, uncovered cash amounting to £500, a money counting machine, drug-related equipment, and luxurious jewellery like Cartier and Rolex watches. In total, 5.25kg of heroin and 1.5kg of cocaine were confiscated during Operation Solidago, with their value estimated between £157,510 and £219,680.
As a consequence of his involvement, Akthar, also known as Muhamed Ali, was sentenced to 17 years and six months for conspiring to distribute class A drugs, and an additional eight years and four months for using EncroChat. On the other hand, Sterian received a community order. During the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) hearing at Cardiff Crown Court, Sterian was found to have gained £174,540 through illicit means, yet only had assets worth £48,750. Judge Paul Hobson mandated her to repay the £48,000 within three months, failure of which would result in a nine-month prison term.
The outcome of this case highlights the significant efforts of law enforcement in dismantling criminal networks involved in drug trafficking. It serves as a deterrent to individuals engaging in illegal activities and underscores the importance of the justice system in holding perpetrators accountable. The successful prosecution and sentencing of Akthar, along with the order for Sterian to repay her ill-gotten gains, demonstrate the commitment to upholding the rule of law and safeguarding communities from the harmful effects of drug-related crimes. Such operations reiterate the collaborative nature of law enforcement agencies in ensuring the safety and security of the public.