Collier Row and Harold Hill men jailed after packaging drugs in shed

4kg of heroin found in Abercrombie's boot. Picture: National Crime Agency (Image: Archant)

Leonard Abercrombie, 59, of Hillrise Road, Collier Row, and Brian Iwanicki, 38, of Ashbourne Road, Harold Hill, both pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply 6.7kg of heroin, which had an estimated street value of £700,000.

Abercrombie received a sentence of three years and four months and Iwanicki received a sentence of five years and six months after the pair appeared at Snaresbrook Crown Court yesterday.

The men were caught after Middle Market Drugs Partnership (MMDP) officers – from the National Crime Agency and Metropolitan Police – stopped Abercrombie on the A10 in Enfield in June and found 4kg of heroin in the boot of his Ford Galaxy.

A further 3kg was found in a cupboard in Abercrombie’s flat, with fingerprint analysis of the wrappings revealing Iwanicki had handled the heroin. Iwanicki was arrested in August.

Officers searched Iwanicki’s flat in Ashbourne Road and discovered a cannabis factory set-up in the attic as well as cocaine and electronic scales in a back garden shed.

MMDP acting Det Insp Adrian Cooke said: “With the help of his friend, Iwanicki was trying to run a mini drugs empire from the shed in his back garden.”

He added: “This sends a clear message to any criminal who thinks it is possible to live outside the law – we will catch you and bring you to justice.

“I’d urge anyone who suspects that something out of the ordinary might be happening in their street to get in touch.”

Suspicious activity can be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org

People can also call the National Crime Agency on 037 0496 7622.