An Indian-origin man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison in the United Kingdom for his role in a major heroin-smuggling conspiracy uncovered by organised crime investigators. The convict, identified by UK authorities as 34-year-old Rajan Patel, was found guilty of participating in a drug-trafficking network that attempted to bring high-purity heroin into the country through concealed consignments routed via Europe.
The court heard that Patel coordinated logistics for the criminal group, helping arrange transport, storage points and communication between suppliers abroad and distributors inside the UK. Investigators from the National Crime Agency (NCA) intercepted the operation after tracking suspicious cargo movements and analysing encrypted messages believed to be exchanged among the conspirators.
During the raid tied to the case, officers seized several kilograms of heroin with an estimated street value of more than £1 million. Prosecutors said the operation posed a “significant threat” to public safety and was part of a wider network responsible for fuelling drug-related violence in multiple British cities.
In sentencing Patel, the judge described him as a “key facilitator” whose actions enabled the trafficking of dangerous substances on a large scale. Along with the prison term, Patel will face asset confiscation proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act, which could strip him of earnings and property linked to the illegal trade.
The NCA welcomed the verdict, saying the case demonstrated its commitment to dismantling organised drug networks and preventing harmful substances from reaching UK streets. Officials added that further arrests in the wider investigation are likely.
