Two drug dealers sentenced after investigation into drug line
The Frankie line was disrupted after extensive investigation into drug supply in local areas
Two men have been jailed after an extensive operation disrupted the Frankie drug line, which was supplying Class A drugs across Birmingham.
The line, which began in August 2023, operated daily in Birmingham's city centre along with Balsall Heath, Moseley, and Selly Oak from 9am to 9pm.
The investigation revealed that the phone number associated with the line received over 81,000 calls and sent and received 25,000 text messages between August 2023 and October 2024.
Authorities linked Ishaaq Ayaz to the phone line, identifying him as the main operator after purchasing a top-up for the phone in August 2024.
Det Insp Mark Robinson from the County Lines Taskforce said, “This was a significant drugs operation, operating across a large part of Birmingham and trading in Class A drugs, and the misery that they bring to users and communities.”
The supply network involved one individual taking orders and ‘runners’ delivering drugs.
During a raid on a city centre flat linked to Ayaz in October 2024, Numaan Mahmood was arrested with drugs, an iPhone used for the line, and cash.
The operation resulted in the seizure of £9,256 in cash, 495 wraps, and 222 grams of cocaine, heroin, and crack cocaine.
Both Ayaz, 26, of Brighton Road, Birmingham, and Mahmood, 20, of Kingswood Road, Moseley, pleaded guilty at Birmingham Crown Court to supplying cocaine, crack cocaine, and heroin.
Ayaz was sentenced to seven years and four months, while Mahmood received two years and three months.
West Midlands Police urges awareness of county lines targets, including unexplained possessions and changes in behavior.