The home of a woman was used as a base for the delivery of the drugs before they were later sold on the streets, a court heard
Three Yorkshire drug dealers have been jailed after they were involved in a highly lucrative and very busy County Lines heroin and cocaine operation that targeted the streets of Hull. There were huge numbers of bulk advertising messages sent out on many days but the money-spinning activities were halted when police stopped vehicles on a number of occasions and seized mobile phones for analysis, Hull Crown Court heard.
The home of a woman was used as a base for the delivery of the drugs before they were later sold on the streets to addicts, Hull Crown Court heard. Khuram Shahzad, 26, and his accomplices Tauheed Latif, 22, and Hamzah Ali, 22, all admitted being concerned in supplying heroin and cocaine between March 30, 2023 and January 12 last year.
Amber Hobson, prosecuting, said that police discovered a County Lines drug line operating between Bradford and Hull. The drugs were brought to the home of Rebecca Branton in Link Road, Cottingham, before being used for street dealing in Hull.
The men involved returned to Bradford the same day. Regular bulk messages were sent to prospective buyers. Messages were sent out on 201 individual days, including when the dealers involved were travelling to Hull.
Shahzad was the main user of the drugs line. He was directing the operation by phone and managing the runners. The police stopped cars carrying all or combinations of some of the three men on several occasions. They all had previous convictions.
Shila Whitehead, mitigating, said that it was Shahzad’s second drugs conviction but this was not his enterprise and he came into it relying on people that he thought were friends. He amassed a debt that he was unable to pay back and it got worse.
“The only way he could fulfill it was to get involved in this matter, paying off the debt” said Miss Whitehead. “He accepts that he acted foolishly and stupidly to get involved in the whole matter.
“He regrets his actions. He is no longer addicted to cannabis, which was the drug that he was using. He is genuinely remorseful. He hangs his head in shame for the guilt that he has put his family through.”
Simon Hustler, representing Latif, said that the defendant’s previous drugs offences for possessing cannabis were not in the same bracket as the latest ones. Latif acted under direction for most of the period involved.
He had obtained certificates while in custody on remand. His sister intended to open a dessert bar and he was likely be working with her when he was released. “The court has seen the last of him,” said Mr Hustler.
John Bottomley, representing Ali, said that the defendant tried to better his life and he previously enrolled for a law course – completing the first year of it. He had worked in the past and had been trustworthy, honest and reliable.
“He fell into the hands of more experienced criminals in the area,” said Mr Bottomley. “They were involved in quite serious offending.
“He has taken steps to improve himself.” All three men had been in custody on remand since January 13 last year.
Shahzad, of Tern Street, Bradford, was jailed for five-and-a-half years. Latif, of Alexandra Street, Bradford, was locked up for two-and-a-half years and Ali, of Waverley Place, Bradford, was jailed for two years. Because of their time in custody on remand, Latif and Ali were likely to be released very soon.
At an earlier hearing, Branton, 50, of Link Road, Cottingham, admitted allowing her premises to be used for the supply of heroin and cocaine between March 2023 and January last year. She was given 15 days’ rehabilitation.