A Lewisham man behind a huge drugs supply operation to South Wales has been jailed for 15 years and four months. 

Khadar Mire, 37, was caught during an investigation into the supply of crack cocaine and heroin. 

The investigation, dubbed Operation Solidago, initially focused on the activities of Tufial Akthar, from Cardiff, but throughout September and October 2021 there were significant telephone calls between Akthar and Mire, who was a known drug supplier in London. 

On September 29, Mire travelled to Cardiff and met Akthar, his partner Aurelia Sterian and Abdi Dualeh.   

They went to a flat Sterian had rented for a few days and were seen carrying laden holdalls into the building. 

On November 22, Hafiz Aslam, who was used as a drugs courier by Akthar, drove to Lewisham. 

Aslam was stopped by police on his return journey to Wales and found to be in possession of 4.5 kilograms of heroin. 

The heroin seizedThe heroin seized (Image: South Wales Police) A search of Akthar’s house uncovered £500 cash, a money counting machine, a set of scales with traces of cocaine and heroin on them and expensive jewellery including Cartier and Rolex watches. 

Tufial Akthar, (also known as Mohamed Ali), 41, of Roath, Cardiff was sentenced to 17 years and six months in prison for conspiracy to supply class A drugs.   

Akthar was sentenced to an additional eight years and four months for using the encrochat encrypted communication service.  

The Rolex watchesThe Rolex watches (Image: South Wales Police) A total of 5.25 kilograms of heroin and 1.5 kilograms of cocaine were seized as part of Operation Solidago.   

The total street value of the drugs recovered, which was just a snapshot of what the organised crime group were trading, is estimated to be between £157,510 and £219,680. 

  • Ethan James, 29, of Llanelli, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for conspiracy to supply class A drugs.   
  •  Abdi Dualeh, 29, of Cardiff Bay, Cardiff, was sentenced to nine years and six months in prison for conspiracy to supply class A drugs.  
  • Mohamoud Goth, 39, of Lakeside, Cardiff was sentenced to nine years and two months in prison for conspiracy to supply class A drugs.  
  •  Jamie Davies, 30, of Llanelli, was sentenced to eight years in prison for conspiracy to supply class A drugs.  
  • Leighton Morris, 53, of Britton Ferry was sentenced to seven years and two months in prison for conspiracy to supply class A drugs.  
  • Dominic Isaacs, 34, of Newport was sentenced to seven years in prison for conspiracy to supply class A drugs.  
  •  Grant Clarke, 29, of Gorseinon was sentenced to five years and eight months in prison for possession of a class A drug with intent to supply – cocaine.   
  • Hafiz Aslam, 36, of Old St Mellons, Cardiff, was sentenced to five years in prison for possession of a class A drug with intent to supply – heroin.   
  • Rhydian Charles, 27, of Llanelli, was sentenced to four years and five months in prison for conspiracy to supply class A drugs.  
  •  Aurelia Sterian, 28, of Roath, Cardiff, was given a community order. 

Andrew Jones, KC for the prosecution, said: “This was a complex investigation involving experienced criminals with a knowledge of police tactics.    

“However, the police have worked tirelessly to gather compelling evidence of their wrongdoing.”  

Detective Inspector Andrew Gibbins, of Tarian, said: “Operation Solidago is an excellent example of how determined police officers can utilise multiple resources and tactics to take down those who pedal drugs to the most vulnerable in our communities.  

“This was a large-scale investigation, and I would like to thank all who were involved in this outcome.”