Four sentenced over Class A drug line in Birmingham
Investigation reveals roles in Ace drugs line supplying crack-cocaine and heroin
Last updated 4th Jul 2026
Four people have been sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court for their involvement in a drug operation known as the 'Ace' drugs line.
Mohammed Butt, Ishaaq Shazad, Mohammed Asim, and Samantha Scott were sentenced on Wednesday, 1st July, following an extensive investigation by West Midlands Police's County Lines Taskforce (CLTF).
The investigation uncovered that the Ace drug line was operational from late 2023 to February 2024, with its base in Birmingham. It primarily supplied Class A drugs, including crack-cocaine and heroin, into Stourbridge.
Butt played a leading role in the drug line, according to the CLTF. Shazad and Asim had significant roles, with Scott acting as the drugs runner. The group used 'line phones' to send bulk advert messages, offering deals such as "4 for £25" and "spend £100 get a free deal". These deals were coordinated for same-day deliveries through Scott and a driver.
Evidence and Arrests
The investigation involved examining bulk messaging and CCTV footage. On 15th February 2024, authorities arrested the four individuals at multiple addresses. During these operations, significant quantities of drugs and cash were seized, along with mobile phones linked to the drug dealing activities. Hundreds of grams of heroin and crack-cocaine were confiscated, along with over £65,000 in cash.
Sentences
All four defendants pleaded guilty to being concerned with the supply of heroin and cocaine. Shazad also pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine with intent to supply and possession of heroin with intent to supply. The sentences handed down were as follows:
Butt, 34, with no fixed address, was sentenced to eight years and six months in prison.
Shazad, 36, from Lingard Road, Sutton Coldfield, received a six-year and six-month sentence.
Asim, 34, from Colonial Road, Birmingham, was sentenced to three years and six months.
Scott, 30, from Palfrey Road, Wollaston, received a two-year suspended sentence.
Det Sergeant Adam Buzzard of the CLTF commented: "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."