A businessman is currently on trial at Harrow crown court, facing accusations of supplying party drugs, including crystal meth and GBL, to London’s chemsex scene.
The prosecution alleges that he used rented storage containers near Brent Cross shopping center to stash over £500,000-worth of illegal substances.
The defendant admits to importing GBL and storing it but claims that he was unaware of its illegal nature, believing it to be a cleaning product.
The Allegations and Drug Trade:
The case revolves around the drug trade, particularly the supply of drugs associated with chemsex parties.
Prosecutors claim that the accused imported large quantities of GBL from a Dutch supplier and used storage lockers at Big Yellow Self Storage and Safestore for safekeeping.
French border officials intercepted a shipment of GBL bottles destined for one of the storage units in April 2020, and later, additional parcels containing bottles of drugs were stopped at Birmingham Airport by the Border Force.
Police Raid and Discoveries:
During a police raid on the Big Yellow storage unit, authorities seized 268 liters of GBL, along with more than £30,000 in cash and jelly containing viagra.
In an unfortunate turn of events for the defendant, another 90 liters of GBL were delivered to the storage unit the day after the raid and were instantly seized.
Further investigations led the police to another Safestore locker, where 90 liters of GBL and equipment associated with crystal meth use were found.
Defendant’s Arrest and Claims:
The accused, Afshin Alikhani, was arrested in November 2020 after additional bottles of GBL were found in his car, along with a package of crystal meth.
In his police interview, Alikhani denied any knowledge of the substances being illegal drugs, maintaining that he believed GBL to be a cleaning product.
He also claimed that the cash found in his possession came from a government-provided Covid Bounce Back loan.
Evidence and Messages:
Jurors have been shown WhatsApp messages from an iPhone attributed to Alikhani, which allegedly depict the mechanics of the drugs trade.
The messages refer to drop-offs at various locations, including King’s Cross station, an Elephant and Castle hotel, and residential addresses across London.
These messages also contain agreements to pay thousands of pounds for drugs.
A drugs expert from the retired Met Police highlighted the significance of these messages, indicating successful drug handovers and transactions.
GBL and Chemsex Scene:
The drug GBL, known by nicknames like G, Gina, and Water, is commonly used in the chemsex scene, often involving men having sex with men during weekend parties.
Users take GBL to stay awake and enhance experiences during these events. The drugs’ effects involve releasing inhibitions and relaxation, but improper dosages can lead to unconsciousness or even a coma.
The Charges and Denials:
Alikhani faces multiple charges, including being concerned in the supply of class A drugs, possession of class A drugs, two charges of possession of class C drugs, possession of class C drugs with intent to supply, three counts of fraudulent evasion of a prohibition on the importation of goods, and possession of criminal property.
The defendant denies all charges and maintains that he was unaware of the drugs’ illegal nature.
Conclusion:
The trial continues, and the court will deliberate on the evidence presented to determine the defendant’s culpability in the alleged drug supply operation to London’s chemsex scene.
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