Rickinder Hare, 36, and Neelan Balarajah, 34, have been sentenced to a total of 14 years and six months after being found guilty of money laundering and conspiracy to supply class A drugs.

The pair, along with their criminal organisation also attempted to gain £1.5m in government grants, which was picked apart by the NCA up before they could go through.

Over £20,000 in cash was recovered by the NCA when Balarajah was caught receiving the money, carried in a Gucci embossed box, from associate Hitesh Vadolia. Balarajah tried to escape with the funds by driving his car at the officers on the scene, however, an unmarked police vehicle blocked the escape.

From here, Balaraja’s home in Middlesex was searched, finding more cash, cannabis, cocaine, and empty wrappings which tested positive for cocaine.