A London man has been sentenced to 12 years in prison after police seized more than 2,000 litres of GBL during an investigation into suspected drug trafficking. Authorities described the seizure as one of the largest recoveries of the substance in London, saying it prevented a significant quantity from entering circulation.
The investigation also led to the recovery of crystal meth, cash, a firearm, and ammunition.
Investigation
The Metropolitan Police said the case began after officers in northwest England shared intelligence about suspected drug trafficking between Manchester and London.
According to investigators, the information suggested large quantities of GBL were being transported from Manchester to London, while crystal meth was allegedly being supplied in the opposite direction.
Detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Unit examined phone records over several months, which they said helped identify Ahoor Ramabark Fathi, 61, of Willowbrook Road, Southall.
Arrest
Police carried out searches at three properties linked to Fathi, including two addresses in Ealing and one in Southall.
Officers arrested him on suspicion of supplying controlled drugs after locating him at one of the addresses.
Following the arrest, investigators searched a rented storage container connected to Fathi.
Seizure
Inside the storage unit, officers found 188 boxes containing 12 one-litre bottles of GBL each, totaling 2,256 litres.
Police also recovered several other items during searches of the properties.
| Item Seized | Quantity |
|---|---|
| GBL | 2,256 litres |
| Crystal meth | 456 grams |
| Cash | £100,000 |
| Firearm | 1 |
| Ammunition | Recovered |
The Metropolitan Police said the seizure represents one of the largest quantities of GBL recovered in London.
GBL
GBL, or gamma-butyrolactone, is an industrial chemical that can be converted into GHB once inside the body.
The substance has legitimate industrial uses but is also misused as an illegal drug. It can cause drowsiness, memory loss, reduced awareness, and unconsciousness. Because of these effects, GBL and GHB have been linked to drug-facilitated crimes, including drink spiking.
Health officials warn that misuse of the substance can be extremely dangerous, particularly when combined with alcohol or other depressant drugs.
Charges
Fathi pleaded guilty on April 17 to multiple offenses, including:
- Possession with intent to supply Class A drugs
- Possession with intent to supply Class B drugs
- Possession of a firearm and ammunition
- Possession of criminal property
His guilty plea concluded the criminal proceedings before sentencing.
Sentence
Fathi was sentenced at Isleworth Crown Court on July 23.
He received a prison sentence of 12 years following his guilty pleas.
Detective Inspector Mark Gavin, who led the investigation, said drug supply continues to cause significant harm to communities and is often connected to exploitation, violence, and other serious criminal activity.
He added that police remain committed to disrupting organized crime groups responsible for supplying harmful drugs and encouraged anyone affected by drug-related offenses or exploitation to report concerns to law enforcement.
Impact
Police say the investigation removed a substantial quantity of illegal drugs from circulation and disrupted an alleged trafficking operation spanning multiple regions.
Authorities also noted that investigations involving substances such as GBL can be particularly challenging because victims of drug-related crimes may be reluctant to come forward.
The Metropolitan Police said tackling organized drug supply remains a priority as officers continue targeting criminal networks operating across London and other parts of England.
FAQs
What is GBL?
GBL is an industrial chemical that can be misused as an illegal drug.
How much GBL did police seize?
Police recovered 2,256 litres of GBL.
What other items were recovered?
Crystal meth, cash, a firearm, and ammunition were also seized.
How long was the prison sentence?
The defendant received a 12-year prison sentence.
Where was the case heard?
The sentencing took place at Isleworth Crown Court.
