By Tony O’Really-
Three members of a Birmingham-based gang involved in the supply of class A drugs and the procurement of deadly firearms have been sentenced following a thorough investigation by the National Crime Agency (NCA).
Danyal Aziz, 29, from Stechford, and Michael Earp, 32, from Shard End, played integral roles in a criminal network responsible for the distribution of cocaine and heroin, both within their local area and across the UK.
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Their operation was not limited to drug supply; they also used lethal firearms to intimidate rivals and customers alike. The gang concealed a Skorpion submachine gun in the residence of Michael Earp’s cousin, Nicole Rhone, 29, located in Bordesley.
The NCA’s investigation was initiated after uncovering the gang’s use of the encrypted messaging service Encrochat in 2020.
Aziz and Earp believed their communication was secure, but international law enforcement partners dismantled the platform, leading NCA officers to identify the culprits.
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Over 22,000 messages exchanged between Aziz and Earp were examined by investigators to trace their identities on the platform. Using the handles ‘Lushmace’ and ‘Kneetown,’ the pair exchanged images of bullets compatible with the Skorpion weapon.
In one message, Aziz talked about resorting to violence with a customer who owed him money. He stated, “I got 50 sweets [bullets] on me and strap [gun] by my yard, I feel like doing a madness right now.” Additionally, Aziz alluded to the immense profits generated by their criminal operation and discussed buying substantial quantities of cocaine to capitalize on price surges during COVID-19 lockdown restrictions.
Aziz was a major player in the gang, orchestrating the movement of over 40 kilos of heroin and 52 kilos of cocaine in just three months. Their drug trade posed a severe threat, providing substantial revenue for criminals indifferent to the devastation they wrought.
Earp operated under Aziz’s control, undertaking various tasks, including the pickup and delivery of drugs across the UK, inventory management, and distribution.
Earp concealed drugs within a secret compartment in his vehicle behind the radio during his journeys. The duo rented a separate flat in Birmingham solely for drug storage, aiming to distance themselves from their illicit commodities.
Nicole Rhone’s residence served as a storage facility for the gang, where the Skorpion submachine gun was concealed beneath her bed. The weapon was loaded with a compatible magazine and bullets, and additional ammunition was discovered in a child’s wardrobe.
The three individuals were apprehended by the NCA between May and July 2020. Following a six-week trial at Birmingham Crown Court, they were found guilty of drug and firearm offenses on June 1.
In a significant ruling, Danyal Aziz was sentenced to 33 years’ imprisonment, Michael Earp received a 26-year sentence, and Nicole Rhone was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment.
Efforts to Combat Organized Crime
Commenting on the case, NCA Branch Commander Mick Pope emphasized the dangerous nature of this organized crime group. Their involvement in drug importation and distribution, along with the possession of firearms, posed a grave threat to public safety.
The NCA remains committed to protecting the public by pursuing organized criminals who deal in illegal drugs and firearms.
Kelly Matthews, CPS Unit Head, commended the joint efforts of the CPS and the NCA in bringing this group of dangerous criminals to justice. The severe sentences handed down reflect the gravity of their crimes and the potential harm that drugs and firearms can inflict on communities.
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