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Southall man pleads guilty after major GBL drug operation uncovered in London

Sat 18 Apr 2026
A Southall man has pleaded guilty after police found more than 2,000 litres of GBL, a liquid substance used in the production of drugs and linked to cases of spiking and chemsex-related activity.

Ahoor Ramabark Fathi, 61, of Willowbrook Road, Southall, admitted multiple offences at Isleworth Crown Court, including possession with intent to supply controlled drugs, possession of a firearm and ammunition, and handling criminal property.

The case followed a joint investigation involving the Metropolitan Police Service and Greater Manchester Police after intelligence suggested large quantities of the drug GBL was being transported between Manchester and London, alongside suspected movement of other illegal substances.

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Detectives traced months of phone and location data linking the suspect to several addresses in west London, including properties in Ealing and Southall believed to be used for storing drugs and cash.

Officers arrested Fathi in March 2026 at one of the identified locations. A follow-up search of a storage unit linked to him led to the discovery of a large haul of GBL packaged in hundreds of bottles.

Police also recovered significant quantities of cash, crystal meth, ammunition, and a firearm during searches connected to the investigation.

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The Metropolitan Police said the seizure represents one of the largest known GBL recoveries in the capital and forms part of ongoing efforts to disrupt organised drug supply networks operating in London.

Investigators highlighted the links between substances such as GBL and crystal meth and the risks associated with their misuse, particularly in high-risk drug environments.

The force said it continues to work with partner agencies and support organisations to reduce harm, improve reporting, and support victims of drug-related crime. Fathi is due to be sentenced later this year.

Photo credit: Metropolitan Police


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