Four men jailed after pursuit reveals drug operation in Blackburn
Officers uncover class A drug enterprise following chase
Four men have been sentenced to jail following the uncovering of a drug operation in Blackburn last December.
Aaron Osman, Mustafa Mehmood, Uzair Bhatti, and Dhanyal Hussain were apprehended after Bhatti and Mehmood attempted to evade police on Johnston Street, Blackburn, on 17th December.
Bhatti, the driver of a white Mercedes, reversed at speed and collided with another vehicle when officers signalled him to stop.
Though Bhatti fled, Mehmood was detained on-site.
The subsequent search revealed a Nokia burner phone under the passenger seat and a cigarette packet containing 14 wraps of crack cocaine and 14 wraps of heroin in the car's console.
Both were arrested for possession with intent to supply class A drugs.
Further Investigations
Inquiries into Bhatti's belongings discovered drug messaging on the burner phone, linking it to the ICE drug line.
An iPhone found in Bhatti's possession contained a range of incriminating evidence of drug dealings including messages, voice notes, and videos.
Investigators also unearthed a Snapchat exchange between Bhatti and "Danny"—identified as Dhanyal Hussain—detailing drugs and showcasing Hussain in a drug-selling selfie.
Hussain was arrested on 23rd December wearing the same hat seen in the selfie.
His premises yielded further class A drugs.
Osman was identified as the supplier, providing Bhatti and Mehmood with drugs they distributed.
During subsequent searches, cash totalling £2,845 and mobile phones were recovered from his home.
Sentences
Following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, the four men faced charges.
Osman, 30, of St James’ Road, Blackburn pleaded guilty to supplying cocaine, heroin, and cannabis, receiving a nine-year sentence.
Hussain, 27, of Whalley Range, Blackburn pleaded guilty to supplying heroin and crack cocaine and received six years and three months.
Bhatti, 28, of Calder Banks, Blackburn admitted possession with intent to supply heroin and crack cocaine, earning a four-year sentence.
Mehmood, 24, of Earl Street, Blackburn pleaded guilty to being concerned in supply, with a sentence of three years and six months.
DC Warren Donnelly from the East Targeted Crime Team emphasised the county's intolerance towards organised crime, vowing continued efforts against such operations: “This type of behaviour is not and never will be acceptable in our county. We will continue to crack down on organised crime and stop these criminals in their tracks.”
Anyone with information about drug-related activities is encouraged to contact authorities through appropriate channels.