Seven members of a drugs smuggling ring were today sentenced to a total of 77 years for their part in a plot which saw more than £40 million worth of drugs smuggled into the UK from mainland Europe.

The Class A drugs were then sold throughout London and the south east of England.

Sami Qerkini, 49, Bardhi Lleshi, 36, Arben Oruci, 44, Jgergji Lleshi, 27, Almir Gocaj, 36, and Altin Gocaj, 36, all pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs at Kingston Crown Court.

The successful prosecutions come after an extensive investigation carried out by detectives from the Met’s Central Task Force focussed on the activities of a sophisticated criminal network involved in the supply of Class As.

Sami Qerkini was a leading member of an Albanian crime cartel for over 20 years and had developed a sophisticated and extensive network of associates to source, import and supply drugs into the UK, police said.

The group operated from a number of safe-houses across the capital and ran local cafes in an attempt to hide their activities from detectives.

Detective Inspector Nick Blackburn of the Met’s Central Task Force, said: “This outstanding result reflects the professionalism and dedication of a Specialist Team of Detectives who have achieved significant sentences for those concerned. The Organised Crime Group has been fully dismantled from importation level to street-level distributors. This is indicative of the Met’s Total War on Organised Crime and should send out a strong message to those currently engaged in such activity.”

Sami Qerkini, of Brook Avenue, Edgware, was sentenced to 22 years for conspiracy to supply heroin;

Bardhi Lleshi, of Thurlow Park Road, Southwark, was sentenced to 16 and a half years for conspiracy to supply heroin;

Arben Oruci, of Challice Way, Lambeth, was sentenced to three years for conspiracy to supply heroin;

Armando Oruci, of Birkbeck Road, Tottenham, was sentenced to 12 years for conspiracy to supply heroin;

Jgergji Lleshi, of Bride Street, Islington, was sentenced to two years and eight months for conspiracy to supply heroin;

Almir Gocaj, of Belvedere Road, Bromley, was sentenced to 12 years for conspiracy to supply heroin;

Altin Gocaj , of Highland Road, Lambeth, was sentenced to nine years for conspiracy to supply heroin.