The National Crime Agency praised the international support they received to help crack the organisation.
Speaking after the case regional head of investigations, Greg McKenna, said: “In terms of organised crime Mohammed Imran Bhegani was right at the top of the tree.
“He was an international drug dealer with high-level contacts in mainland Europe. Bhegani had the ability to transport vast quantities of illegal drugs and weapons from the continent and into the UK.
“Osman and Esshak were his trusted associates, charged with overseeing the UK end of the operation, taking delivery of the consignments and arranging the onward distribution.
“To operate on such a commercial scale the group needed the professional skills of hauliers like Watson and Planken, among others, to bring in their illicit cargo. As one was arrested, another would be brought in to take their place.
“As this criminal network was an international one, so too was our investigation, and we have received invaluable assistance from our colleagues in the Dutch National Crime Squad and from Border Force here in the UK.
“Working together we are determined to disrupt and bring to justice organised criminal groups involved in this type of smuggling.”
