Four members of a drug ring known as the 'Ace' county line have been sentenced after police discovered £65,000 in cash and drugs concealed inside a Lynx deodorant can. The gang operated primarily in Stourbridge between 2023 and 2024, dealing heroin and crack-cocaine.
Sentences Handed Down at Birmingham Crown Court
On Wednesday, July 1, at Birmingham Crown Court, Mohammed Butt, 34, of no fixed address, was jailed for eight years and six months. Ishaaq Shazad, 36, of Lingard Road, Sutton Coldfield, received six years and six months. Mohammed Asim, 34, of Colonial Road, Birmingham, was sentenced to three years and six months. Samantha Scott, 30, of Palfrey Road, Wollaston, received a two-year suspended sentence.
All four pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of heroin and cocaine. Shazad also admitted possession of cocaine and heroin with intent to supply.
How the Gang Operated
The gang operated from a base in Birmingham, using a dedicated line phone to advertise their services with messages such as '4 for £25' and 'spend £100 get a free deal'. They coordinated same-day deliveries via Scott, who acted as the drugs runner, and a driver.
Butt was identified as having a significant leading role, while Shazad and Asim held significant roles in the hierarchy. Scott was the lowest-ranking member, serving as the runner.
Arrests and Seizures
On February 15, 2024, all four were arrested at multiple addresses. Police recovered hundreds of grams of heroin and crack-cocaine, over £65,000 in cash, and mobile phones linked to drug dealing. The cash and drugs were found hidden in various items, including a Lynx deodorant can.
Detective Sergeant Adam Buzzard, from the West Midlands Police County Lines Taskforce, said: 'This was a significant investigation into what was a highly active drugs line. All four had their individual roles in the running of the drugs line. But, thanks to our investigative work, we were able to attribute them to their roles and following searches of addresses we located large amounts of cash and drugs, along with mobile phones for the drugs line.'
