A man who exploited vulnerable people to run his 'county lines' drug operation in Aberdeen has been sentenced to prison.
Details of the Case
Victor Kihu, aged 24, was sentenced to six years and five months at the High Court in Glasgow after admitting to drug dealing while acting with others. He was a member of the organised crime group known as Harlem, which operated between Aberdeen, Glasgow, and Inverness.
Kihu's drug operation utilised eight addresses in Aberdeen between July 2025 and January 2026. A police investigation revealed that males from England were housed in each of these properties to sell and purchase drugs under Kihu's direction and on behalf of the Harlem Organised Crime Group.
Intimidation and Coercion
Kihu would visit some of the properties and intimidate residents into allowing individuals from England to live there. One resident was told by a drug dealer that Kihu had threatened to kill him if he did not comply and had taken his phone to prevent him from contacting his family.
During the investigation, police discovered that drug dealing was coordinated through multiple mobile phones belonging to Kihu. Officers later recovered a quantity of drugs from the addresses, and Kihu was arrested on a bus in Perth in January 2026.
Evidence and Seizures
Kihu's personal mobile phone contained messages directing individuals to locations to deal drugs, as well as lists of drugs left at various sites. Police seized 124 wraps of heroin with an estimated street value of £3,750 and 261 cocaine packages valued at £5,220. Additionally, £8,653.06 in cash was confiscated.
Kihu's method of recruiting vulnerable people to sell drugs from multiple properties is a cross-border county lines practice known as cuckooing.
Prosecutor's Statement
Prosecutor Sineidin Corrins of COPFS stated: “Cuckooing is an abhorrent practice which often has a devastating impact on vulnerable and innocent individuals. Seeking justice for people in our communities who are all too often coerced, groomed, and threatened by county lines drug dealers is a priority for Scotland’s prosecutors.
“Victor Kihu deliberately targeted people who, under threats and intimidation, would carry out his coercive demands to let others use their homes for criminal conduct. But he is now in prison having been brought to account for his crimes.
“The public can be assured we take this type of offending extremely seriously. We are wholly committed to working with partners to disrupt and deter this type of criminal activity in order to keep our communities safe.”
Police Response
Detective Constable Nicholas Bowyer commented: “Drugs have a devastating impact on our communities. We remain committed to removing harmful substances from our streets and holding those involved in their supply accountable.
“Kihu will now face the consequences of his actions. We will continue to use tools and tactics at our disposal to deter this activity and protect our communities from the harm drugs can cause.
“Information from the public is vital and we continue to urge anyone with concerns to contact us. Anyone with information about drugs can contact Police Scotland on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
