By James Simons-
A student who sold drugs on the dark web after being inspired by the TV series Breaking Bad has been jailed for more than 11 years.
Jaikishen Patel, of Clayhall, was one of four men belonging to a drugs ring which imported and exported ecstasy, LSD, 2CB and ketamine.
Under the leadership of 26 year old Basil Assaf, Patel and two of his pals, 26 year old Elliott Hyams, and 25 year old James Roden used the illicit online marketplace Silk Road to peddle drugs between 2011 and 2013.
Jurors at Manchester Crown Court heard how the four eventual losers had been deeply involved in recreational drugs during their first year at the University of Manchester and, escalating their interest in drugs by selling illegal substances. Inspired by US drama Breaking Bad, the gang moved on to selling illegal substances. They made more than £800,000 selling drugs on Silk Road, but also supplied them in person in exchange for cash.
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The defendants enjoyed a lifestyle “far above that of typical students” including taking holidays to Jamaica and the Bahamas, prosecutors told the court.
Prosecutors told the court Assaf from Corringway thought he was “invincible” and bragged about his appetite for Veuve Clicquot rose champagne and the flat he was able to buy in Manchester city centre.He lived a life style ”far above that of typical students”, enjoying holidays to Jamaica and the Bahamas. Their corrupt and deceitful lifestyle was brought to an abrupt end after the FBI seized Silk Road’s servers in October 2013, and passed their details onto the National Crime Agency (NCA) in the UK. Years after they left University, their crimes finally caught up on them, and despite progressing to legitimate full time employment, they were eventually caught and charged. They pleaded guilty to conspiring to import, export and supply controlled drugs.
Patel was jailed for 11 years and two months, while Hyams, of Barnsbury Street, Islington was jailed for 11 years and three months and Roden, of Half Moon Lane, Herne Hill, was jailed for 12 years. Ring-leader Assaf was sentenced to 15 years and three months behind bars.Years after their first venture into a high lifestyle of drug selling, they have had to pay for their crimes. Although settled in full time employment, they had benefited illegally from the proceeds of drugs. Now, they have lost everything.
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