Harrow Crown Court sentenced 47-year-old Zyber Tusha to 12 years and 6 months in prison after he admitted charges of possession of Class A drugs with intent to sell, as well as possession of a firearm.
Meanwhile, Oltjan Serferi, 21 years old, of no fixed address, was sentenced to 4 years in prison after pleading guilty to possession of cocaine with intent to distribute.
The operation was carried out on February 5 by the London Organised Crime Partnership, a joint structure of the National Crime Agency (NCA) and the Metropolitan Police of London.
During a search of Zyber Tusha’s apartment, in the Beaufort Estate area of Colindale, northwest London, investigators found 19 kilograms of cocaine, worth around £1.5 million on the market, as well as a Springfield semi-automatic pistol, loaded with 14 rounds.
Also seized from the flat were £40,615 in cash, six forged identity documents, five mobile phones and 21 kilograms of a cutting substance, used to mix cocaine.
While the police were arresting Tusha, Oltjan Serferi arrived at the scene, carrying a bag containing 4 kilograms of cocaine, worth around £320,000. As soon as he saw the officers, he threw the bag and tried to run away, but was caught a few moments later.
British authorities say that the two Albanians were in the United Kingdom illegally and, after completing their prison sentences, will be deported to Albania.
Detective Chief Inspector Andrew Tickner said firearms and class A drugs were closely linked to the activities of organised crime groups, posing a serious threat to the community. He said law enforcement would continue operations to remove such individuals from the streets of London.