A couple from North London were involved in smuggling up to 50 kilograms of cocaine into the United Kingdom every month. Haydar Miah, 28, residing on Aerodome Road in North London, was apprehended in May 2025 on suspicion of drug dealing in Luton. During his arrest, authorities discovered over two kilograms of cocaine, along with cannabis, ecstasy, Xanax, ketamine, and £33,000 in cash. Examination of his mobile phones revealed evidence of a conspiracy to import approximately 50 kilograms of cocaine monthly into Britain.
The drugs were transported from Brazil to Portugal before entering the UK. Mengali Freitas, 32, was also arrested for her role. Freitas had introduced Miah to a contact to discuss importing drugs. Although she stepped back from a leading role, she continued acting as a translator between Miah and overseas contacts, using WhatsApp aliases such as 'WalterWhite' and 'Ghost'.
Sentencing at Southwark Crown Court
On Thursday, March 28, at Southwark Crown Court, Miah received a 17-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to multiple offenses. These included possession with intent to supply cocaine and being concerned in the fraudulent evasion of a prohibition on the importation of a Class A drug (cocaine). Freitas was sentenced to seven years and six months in prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to supply cocaine.
Police Statement on the Investigation
Investigating Officer Neville Drummond, from Operation Costello, commented: “The length of these sentences reflects the severity of Miah’s actions and the extent of his involvement in serious and organised crime, including plans to bring significant quantities of drugs into the UK. Freitas’ role in the network was clear. While she described herself as a translator, she was instrumental in facilitating communication between Miah and his overseas contacts. This demonstrates the lengths we will go to in targeting all those involved in organised crime.
“Drugs are at the heart of much of the violence and exploitation we see in the county. By bringing offenders like Miah and Freitas to justice, we are making Bedfordshire safer and protecting people from harm. We urge anyone with information about drug dealing to report it to us so we can continue to build intelligence and put offenders behind bars.”
