They concealed the class A drugs by coating broomsticks in a lacquer containing cocaine, which was then shipped in a container via legitimate means, Scotland Yard said.
To the naked eye, the broom handles looked completely normal and were concealed with other bundles of normal broom handles.
The cocaine underwent a chemical process in Columbia to convert it into a lacquer, which was used to varnish the broom handles.
But whilst the brooms were being unloaded on the Darenth Industrial Estate police swooped in and arrested them.
The trio, alongside Daniel Oliver, were also unsuccessful in their appeals against prison sentences they deemed to be “excessive”.
Their sentences will remain as follows:
- Pacheco Miranda, 54, of The Roundway in Tottenham, was jailed for 29 years.
- Ermal Shtrezi, 40, of Lyndhurst Road in Haringey, was sentenced to 23 years’ imprisonment.
- Frank Asante, 49, of Ledbury Road in Kensington and Chelsea, was sentenced to 18 years in prison
- Daniel Oliver, 52, of The Parade in Margate, received 29 years in prison
When they were sentenced, Det Sgt Nicola Hawkins said: “These men were a group of career criminals with previous convictions for similar offences.
“Miranda and his accomplices played a hands-on role in the importation and were caught red handed by officers, who had been diligently watching and building strong evidence against them.
“The data officers discovered on Miranda’s phone during the trial was a treasure trove of evidence incriminating him, including images showing the cocaine being painted onto the broom handles in Columbia.
“Our priority is to keep Londoners safe – drugs cause misery to communities and the associated issues plague local residents.
“The Met is taking out the organised supply of drugs into the UK at the top of the chain and removing those involved at all levels off the streets of London.
“In order to continue to achieve this objective, the Met continues to work closely with our partners at the NCA.”
