Six men jailed for over 32 years for drugs operation
They've been linked to the 'Q' drugs line, a supply chain that had been operating in Stoke on Trent
Six men have been sentenced for their roles in a major conspiracy to supply Class A drugs across Stoke-on-Trent.
The group was sentenced at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on Friday (August 1) after being found guilty or pleading guilty to charges relating to the supply of heroin and crack cocaine.
Jimran Mohammed, 37, from Cobridge, was identified as the ringleader of the operation and was jailed for 10 years after admitting conspiracy to supply Class A drugs. He was linked to the 'Q' drugs line, a supply chain that had been operating in the city.
Co-conspirators Armani Yargol, 34, and John Njau, 50, both of no fixed address, were each sentenced to seven years and six months following their convictions.
Noor Mohammed, 55, from Shelton, received a four-and-a-half-year sentence, while Zain Kabir, 27, from Tunstall, was jailed for three years and one month. Both were also found guilty of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.
Azar Iqbal, 46, from Cobridge, admitted to converting criminal property in connection with the operation and was given a six-month suspended sentence, to run for two years.
The investigation began when Jimran Mohammed was flagged as a suspect during inquiries into the ‘Q’ drugs line. Detectives launched a covert operation that uncovered a wider network of individuals assisting in the drug supply.
Police say they were able to demonstrate that Jimran had a “leading role” in the conspiracy. The operation concluded with the dismantling of the ‘Q’ drugs line and the seizure of illicit substances from those involved.
A spokesperson for the Major and Organised Crime Proactive department said: “Jimran was a figure in the local community who was influential on others for a number of years. We worked tirelessly to ensure this case was evidentially strong and that Jimran was finally brought to justice for his offending.
“We continue to work hard behind the scenes to bring offenders to justice. Drug supply and associated violence will not be tolerated in Stoke-on-Trent, and these sentences should send a clear message to others involved in such criminality.”
Police have reaffirmed their commitment to tackling organised drug networks operating in the area, warning that further investigations are ongoing.