Ajmal Berus, a 28-year-old from Peterborough, has been sentenced to three years and two months in prison after being found guilty of smuggling drugs into HMP Peterborough and involvement in a violent affray.
Berus, who was previously under investigation for a variety of drug-related crimes, was arrested after police discovered that he had been attempting to smuggle class A drugs into the prison. On one occasion, Berus and two accomplices were spotted by a prison officer at a local skatepark, where they stashed a package containing £19,200 worth of class A drugs. Forensic tests later confirmed that Berus’ DNA was on the package.
On another occasion, Berus attempted to smuggle nearly £2,000 worth of cannabis and tobacco into the prison, which was found between the prison wall and exercise yard. Again, the drugs were linked to him through DNA analysis.
Further investigation into Berus’ activities led to the discovery of his involvement in the trafficking and distribution of cocaine, heroin, and cannabis. His mobile phone revealed messages in which he boasted about his attempts to throw drugs over the prison wall, an incident captured on CCTV that confirmed his identity.
Berus was arrested in Eastfield, near Peterborough city center, by plain-clothed officers on 21 October 2021 after a prolonged investigation. At Peterborough Crown Court on 4 October, Berus admitted to being involved in the supply of drugs and was sentenced to 38 months in prison.
Additionally, Berus faced charges related to affray. He was involved in an incident on Granville Street, Peterborough, where he and another individual, Kevinas Lazauskas, threatened a man and his cousin. Lazauskas, aged 20, was also sentenced to 1 year and 11 months in prison for his role in the crime, including possession with intent to supply cannabis and breach of a prior sentence.
Detective Constable Jacob Reeves, who led the investigation, emphasized the seriousness of prison smuggling and the impact of drug trafficking on local communities. “This case highlights our commitment to tackling drug-related crime and prohibited items entering our prisons,” he said.
The investigation into Berus’ activities was a complex and thorough operation, and Berus’ significant prison sentence reflects the gravity of his crimes.
