Major Drug Dealer Sentenced for Lockdown Heroin Operation
A Bradford man who exploited Covid lockdown restrictions to transport millions of pounds worth of heroin between cities has been sentenced to prison. Ali Hussain, aged 36, of Sunrise Court, Bradford, admitted his role in a significant drug conspiracy that saw Class A drugs moved across the country during the pandemic's first nationwide lockdown.
The Lockdown Drug Runs
In May 2020, while most of the country remained indoors, Hussain was moving 20 kilos of heroin with an estimated street value of £2 million from Birmingham to Leeds. The operation was uncovered by West Yorkshire Police's Programme Precision Serious Organised Crime team, who specialise in tackling organised criminal networks.
Hussain pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and was sentenced at Leeds Crown Court on Wednesday, November 19. He received seven years and five months in prison for the heroin offences. Additionally, he was sentenced to 12 months for possession of cannabis with intent to supply, after being found with two kilos of the drug in March 2021. This sentence will run concurrently with his main prison term.
Police Hunt for Two Wanted Men
Despite Hussain's conviction, West Yorkshire Police continue to search for two other men connected to the drug dealing operation. Shafiqul Islam Ali, aged 44 and formerly of Grafton Street in Bradford, was found guilty in his absence last year of conspiracy to supply two kilos of heroin, possession with intent to supply cocaine and possession of criminal property.
Ali was due to be sentenced in January but failed to appear in court. He was subsequently jailed for 14 years in his absence, and a warrant has been issued for his arrest. Police describe him as an Asian male, approximately 5ft 7ins tall, of slim build with short black hair and brown eyes. He has known connections to Birmingham, Bradford and Leeds.
The second wanted man is Yakub Miah, also known as Mohammed Kazi. The 52-year-old has been charged in his absence with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and is awaiting trial. He's described as an Asian male, about 5ft 4ins tall, of medium build with short black hair and brown eyes, with connections to the Leeds area.
Police Statement and Public Appeal
Detective Inspector Chris Rukin, of West Yorkshire Police's Programme Precision team, commented on the case: "I'm pleased Hussain has been brought to justice and will serve a lengthy sentence for an offence that causes serious harm to our communities here in West Yorkshire. Our focus now turns to ensuring Ali also serves his sentence and that Miah is brought before the courts."
Police are urging anyone with information about either wanted man to contact them immediately. Information can be provided to West Yorkshire Police by calling 101 or visiting their website, quoting reference: 13200327588. Anonymous tips can also be given to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.
