A TRIO of Basildon-based drug dealers are behind bars after being brought to justice.

In March 2019 the UK Border Force intercepted five parcels at Heathrow Airport from Lahore in Pakistan which were found to contain more than 1.4kg of heroin.

The parcels were addressed to an address in the Basildon area.

Officers were able identify that the intended recipient was 37 year-old Barry Smith, of St Anns Close, Laindon.

Investigators were able to establish that Smith had been in regular contact with another man – Malik Ali.

Officers identified Ali was orchestrating the importation of the drugs and was directing Smith.

In November 2019, officers stopped a silver Vauxhall Vivaro in Doesgate Lane Dunton in which Ali was a passenger.

Inside the vehicle they found cocaine with a wholesale value of £60,000 as well as three mobile phones.

Ali, 37, of Wickford Avenue, Basildon, and the driver – 42 year-old Devon Thompson – were both arrested.

Officers then carried out a search of Thompson's home address in Lower Dunton Road, Dunton where they found 5.7kg of heroin with a wholesale value of approximately £100,000.

Ali and Thompson were later charged and, in March 2020, Smith was also arrested.

All three were charged with conspiracy to supply heroin and conspiracy to supply cocaine.

Ali was charged over his role in the importation and sale of the drugs, Smith over his role in the importation, and Thompson with the sale.

In December 2019 Thompson pleaded guilty to the charges but Ali and Smith denied them.

However, following a trial at Basildon Crown Court they were convicted last month.

At the same court today (Wednesday 2 June), Ali was sentenced to 16 years in prison, Thompson to seven and eight months, and Smith jailed for five years.

Following their sentencing, Detective Inspector Steve Robson, from the Serious and Organised Crime Unit, said: "Drugs destroy lives and violence often goes hand-in-hand with their sale.

"Ali, Thompson and Smith were involved in a sophisticated drug dealing scheme which saw cocaine and heroin get onto the streets of south Essex.

"Our investigation has ensured they can no longer poison our communities.

"We are committed to putting drug dealers behind bars and want anyone who is thinking about selling drugs here – we'll be watching you and we'll bring you to justice."