Halifax shopkeeper jailed for 13 years over drug charges and illegal money lending
He was found to be illegally lending money and dealing drugs from his off licence
Last updated 3rd Jul 2025
A Halifax shopkeeper is starting a 13 year prison sentence after being convicted of running a drugs and illegal money lending business from his store.
Imtiyaz Mamaniyat, 42 and of Meadowbank, Dewsbury, was sentenced yesterday at Bradford Crown Court.
It follows a visit by Trading Standards and police to his shop, Immy G’s Off-Licence, on George Street in August 2020.
Drugs, cash, bank cards and ID documents were seized during the raid. Mamaniyat was arrested and released under investigation.
The following February a second visit to the shop yielded further discoveries of drugs, as well as lists of people in debt to the bisiness.
Mamaniyat was again arrested alongside 37 year old Emma Holton of no fixed address.
In 2023, the 42 year old was charged with twenty-two offences including possession with intent to supply cocaine, heroin, crack cocaine, cannabis and various class C controlled drugs, unregulated money lending and possession of criminal property.
Holten and co-accused Sultan Ali, 32, of Blackwall in Halifax were also charged with offences including being concerned in the supply of class A drugs and possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.
Ali will serve six years and Holten three years two months respectively.
Detective Constable Ian Harris of West Yorkshire Police, said:
“Mamaniyat operated under the guise of a local shop keeper for several years whilst conducting an illegal money lending and drug dealing business for his own means.
“He would target and exploit some of the more vulnerable members of the town centre community. His shop was the epicentre of crime and anti-social behaviour. He is now prevented from carrying on his illicit business and will serve a considerable prison sentence.
“The result is testament to a strong team work centred approach, drawing on expertise from a variety of Calderdale District departments working together to bring a persistent and prolific offender to justice, and is a welcome end to a lengthy investigation.