CCTV leads to arrest and jailing of drug dealer in Peterborough
Hafiz Ullah sentenced after being caught with drugs on Lincoln Road
Hafiz Ullah, a 31-year-old drug dealer, has been jailed after being caught in the act by a vigilant CCTV operator in Peterborough.
The incident took place on 23rd December last year when Ullah was seen behaving suspiciously while interacting with another man on Lincoln Road.
The CCTV operator notified the police, and officers arrived at the scene to search Ullah, discovering 27 wraps of cocaine, 13 wraps of heroin, two mobile phones, and £100 in cash hidden in his hoodie pocket.
Further investigation of Ullah's mobile phones unveiled messages linked to drug dealing, prompting a search of his home on Lincoln Road.
Officers found additional evidence of drug supply there, including snap bags and weighing scales.
Ullah, who had six previous convictions for drug offences and was under a suspended sentence at the time, confessed to possession with intent to supply heroin and cocaine, and being concerned in their supply.
At Peterborough Crown Court on 29th July, he was sentenced to two years and three months in prison.
DC Lauren Easton, who led the investigation, emphasised the significance of the CCTV operator's alertness.
"Thanks to the vigilance of a CCTV operator, Ullah was quickly identified and arrested before he could continue supplying illegal drugs in our community," Easton said.
"The drugs, cash and mobile phones recovered from him, together with the evidence uncovered from his devices and home address, provided overwhelming evidence of his involvement in drug dealing."
Easton added, "Despite having multiple previous convictions for drug offences and being subject to a suspended sentence, he continued to offend. This sentence demonstrates that we will continue to work proactively to disrupt those involved in the supply of illegal drugs and bring them before the courts."