Gang behind 24-hour drugs delivery service faces jail

A criminal gang that ran a lucrative drugs empire which offered a 24-hour crack cocaine service was today facing jail.

The 14-strong cartel used high-profile vehicles and delivery drivers to peddle Class A drugs around the capital. Gang members, who travelled in pairs and stored wraps of the illegal substance in their mouths, would wait for orders on their company "hotline" before visiting clients at discreet locations in the City and Tower Hamlets.

In an effort to go unnoticed by police, the outfit rented expensive cars such as Saabs and Mercedes. The dial-a-drug service was laid bare by detectives after a lengthy undercover operation. The men will be appearing at Snaresbrook crown court for sentencing today after pleading guilty to supplying crack cocaine last month.

Nadimul Islam, 32, Rezaul Islam, 25, Shah Ahmed, 23, Aminul Islam, 20, Abdul Salam, 21, Nazimul Islam, 27, Shahen Ahmed, 18, Ruhel Miah, 24, Mohammed Saidur Rahman, 22, and Ruhel Uddin Ahmed, 21 - all from Tower Hamlets - were all found guilty of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.

Fellow gang members Jahangir Alom, 22, of Whitchapel, Rema Foa, 21, of Hackney, Ashratul Islam, 27, from Bethnal Green, and Sharif Ahmed Choudry, 21, from Dagenham, pleaded guilty to the same offence.