Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Drug dealer who compared himself to Pablo Escobar jailed

Shahen Ahmed, 34, was sentenced to nine years for his role running drug lines across Tower Hamlets.

Drug dealer who compared himself to Pablo Escobar jailed
Shahen Ahmed (Photo: Met police)

A DRUG dealer from east London, who likened himself to notorious Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar, has been sentenced to nine-and-a-half years in prison.

Shahen Ahmed, 34, of Tower Hamlets, was convicted at Snaresbrook Crown Court for his involvement in the supply of Class A drugs after a targeted police operation.


Ahmed's arrest came as part of Operation Yamata, a police initiative focused on dismantling drug supply networks across London.

Between December 2021 and June 2022, Ahmed was found to be running three drug lines under the name “Killah,” supplying crack cocaine and heroin across the Tower Hamlets area.

Following an investigation, officers from the Metropolitan Police executed a warrant at Ahmed's Stevedore Street address in June 2022. There, they discovered a large quantity of Class A drugs and more than £60,000 in cash, which Ahmed had hidden. He was promptly arrested, charged, and held in custody.

Further investigation revealed that Ahmed had been concealing over £600,000 of illicit cash through his business accounts. Detectives from the Met’s Economic Crime Unit are now working to seize these assets under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Ahmed styled himself as a kingpin, boasting about his control over the streets of east London.

In a video recovered from his devices, Ahmed compared himself to Pablo Escobar, proudly claiming that he “ran the streets” much like the Colombian cartel leader, who dominated the global cocaine market in the 1980s.

Detective inspector Sam Bennett, who led the operation, expressed concern over Ahmed's casual attitude towards his criminal activities.

"My team seized a number of devices from Ahmed. On examination my officers found a video of Ahmed proudly bragging to an unknown passenger about his criminal activity, referring to himself as 'Pablo' and running the streets," he said.

"Drugs are inextricably linked to violence and misery on our streets. They blight communities and ruin lives. To see Ahmed talk so casually and proudly about his involvement is a concern but it also motivates us and makes us even more determined to bring people like him to justice.

“Thanks to my officers and their hard work and diligence, Ahmed now has even more in common with his famed idol – a significant jail sentence.”

Detectives from the Met's Economic Crime Unit are currently taking steps to recover the funds through the Proceeds of Crime Act.

More For You

Charli XCX
After backlash at Glastonbury, Charli says autotune is a choice, not a flaw
BBC

Charli XCX slams ‘boomer’ autotune critics after Glastonbury: ‘Not having a band doesn’t make me fake’

Quick highlights:

  • Charli XCX criticised certain fans for attacking her autotuned vocals at Glastonbury 2025.
  • Called the backlash “the most boring take ever” in a series of posts on X.
  • Defended her artistic choices, saying divisive art is often the most impactful.
  • Her Brat set clashed with Neil Young’s headline act, drawing polarising reactions.

Charli XCX has addressed criticism over her use of autotune during her Glastonbury 2025 performance, calling out the ageist tone of comments that questioned her authenticity as a performer. The singer clapped back on X, brushing off the noise as outdated and out of touch.

Keep ReadingShow less
Kareena Kapoor Saif stabbing

Kareena Kapoor gets emotional discussing Saif’s stabbing incident in an interview with Barkha Dutt

Getty Images

Kareena Kapoor says Saif Ali Khan’s stabbing still haunts her: ‘I didn’t sleep for months’

Quick highlights:

  • Kareena Kapoor has spoken out for the first time about Saif Ali Khan’s stabbing.
  • Saif was attacked at home in January 2025 during a burglary attempt.
  • Their sons, Taimur and Jeh, witnessed the violent episode.
  • Kareena says the family is still coping but trying to move forward together.

Actor Kareena Kapoor has opened up for the first time about the terrifying night her husband, Saif Ali Khan, was stabbed by an intruder at their Mumbai home. In a deeply personal interview with journalist Barkha Dutt, Kareena admitted that the incident left her shaken and sleepless for months, especially with their children, Taimur and Jeh, present during the attack.

Keep ReadingShow less
Glastonbury 2025

Top 8 moments that defined Glastonbury 2025

Getty Images/ BBC

Top 8 Glastonbury 2025 moments including Olivia & Robert’s duet, Rod & Ronnie’s reunion, Lewis Capaldi’s comeback & more

Quick highlights:

  • Olivia Rodrigo brought out Robert Smith for a surprise goth-pop duet on the Pyramid Stage.
  • Rod Stewart reunited with Ronnie Wood during a crowd-pleasing Legends Slot performance.
  • Lewis Capaldi made an emotional surprise return after his 2023 setback.
  • Political controversy erupted with Kneecap and Bob Vylan’s provocative sets.
  • Scissor Sisters and Sir Ian McKellen delivered one of the festival’s most unexpected collaborations.
  • Charli XCX closed out her Brat era by burning her backdrop and owning the Other Stage.
  • Neil Young gave a stripped-back set with no visuals and all heart.
  • Pulp’s secret “Patchwork” set was a nostalgic Britpop masterstroke.


  • Keep ReadingShow less
    Pakistan floods

    A flooded street near Station Road after heavy rainfall in Hyderabad, Pakistan, on June 27, 2025.

    Getty

    Pakistan reports 45 deaths from flash floods and rain in monsoon onset

    AT LEAST 45 people have died in Pakistan over the past few days due to flash flooding and heavy rainfall since the beginning of the monsoon season, according to disaster management officials on Sunday.

    The highest number of deaths was reported in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which borders Afghanistan. There, 21 people were killed, including 10 children.

    Keep ReadingShow less
    Flying Ant Day 2025

    This year’s alternating warm and wet weather has created perfect conditions for swarming

    iStock

    Flying Ant Day 2025 could bring UK’s biggest swarms yet, experts warn

    Key points:

    • Flying Ant Day expected earlier this year, with peak around 22–25 July
    • Warm, humid weather creating ideal swarming conditions
    • Experts say urban areas may see ants sooner due to higher temperatures
    • Swarms are a nuisance but vital for the UK’s ecosystem
    • Prevention tips include sealing cracks, storing food, and cleaning up spills

    Experts warn Flying Ant Day 2025 could bring record swarms

    Britain may experience one of its worst ever Flying Ant Days this summer, with swarms of the winged insects expected to appear earlier than usual. Experts predict that the nationwide phenomenon, which typically occurs in July and August, could peak between 22 and 25 July due to ideal weather conditions.

    Flying Ant Day refers to the period when millions of male and female ants, known as alates, leave their colonies to mate mid-air before starting new colonies. While the name implies a single day, the mating flights actually occur over several weeks, depending on location and weather.

    Keep ReadingShow less