On November 28, 2025, a 24-year sentence was handed down to a man as a result of a Metropolitan Police investigation aimed at combating gang-related firearm offenses in south London. This move comes as law enforcement intensifies its efforts to mitigate gun violence and enhance safety for the residents of the capital.
The inquiry revealed a broader network behind the initial gun incident, exposing a drug trafficking operation that exploited teenagers to transport narcotics into London. The findings underscore the strong correlation between drug-related activities and acts of violence.
Sentencing Details
Ayman Benhalima, aged 22, residing on Bloomhall Road in Norwood, was sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court. He had previously entered a guilty plea on July 24 to charges of:
- Possession with intent to supply cannabis
- Possession of criminal property
Furthermore, on August 13, he was convicted of attempted murder after a shooting incident occurred on December 16, 2024. During this event, Benhalima fired a weapon at an individual driving an Audi, suspected to belong to a rival gang, without causing any injuries.
Investigation Insights
The case, diligently pursued by the Met’s Trident team, which specializes in gun crime investigations, entailed thorough forensic examinations of the crime scene post-shooting. Detectives skillfully utilized a music video shot on the night of the incident to substantiate Benhalima and his accomplice’s involvement, as both were seen wearing the same attire as the suspects.
Supportive evidence from cell phone records and surveillance footage further affirmed their presence at the scene. Following this, law enforcement executed searches at their residences, uncovering ample amounts of drugs and cash, alongside digital evidence of their drug dealings.
Community Safety Initiatives
Detectives later discovered that Benhalima and Giovanni Bennett, aged 23, from Woodside Green in Croydon, had been coercing young girls and women into smuggling drugs into London from Thailand for substantial monetary compensation. Bennett allegedly promoted these illicit activities through the social media platform Snapchat.
Detective Inspector Ray Sekalongo, who supervised the investigation, commented, „Firearm offences have a devastating impact on victims, families, and our communities. Our priority is not only to bring offenders to justice but also to safeguard young and vulnerable people who are at risk of being exploited through gang crime and drugs. Alongside our partners, officers are working around the clock to prevent further harm and provide support for those who need it.“
The Met’s Trident teams are tasked with addressing all non-fatal shootings or weapon discharges involving firearms. In the past year, there has been a 32.6 percent increase in the disruption of serious and organized crime gangs. The commission has reported that firearm discharges in London have declined by over 88 percent since 2018/19, reflecting their commitment to proactively preventing crime and ensuring the safety of London’s communities.
Giovanni Bennett is scheduled for sentencing next month related to his involvement in the drug trafficking scheme.
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