Another drug dealer jailed following operation by our County Lines Team

Thursday, 2 March 2023 09:00

By David Murphy

Kadar Ali, of Spring Gardens in Rochdale was advertising the supply of crack cocaine and heroin to vulnerable people who are addicted to the drugs, via a mobile phone.

Text messages on the device showed he was in direct contact with the people he was selling the drugs to.

Ali would send a text message saying “Brad active” to a large number of drug users in the area, informing them he had drugs available to sell.

Text message replies from users included ‘ring me wen ur abt plz’, ‘can I owe u 4 for 2w u no il pay u bk’ and ‘got 6q any chance you can sort us plz’.

The 25-year-old was also operating in Heywood and Middleton.

On Tuesday 3 January 2022 Ali was arrested while in bed after a warrant was executed at his property.

The mobile phone was found in the bedside table and a further search recovered another mobile phone, a large amount of class A drugs and £6,000 in cash concealed in the sofa.

At an earlier hearing, Ali pleaded guilty to being in possession with intent to supply crack cocaine, heroin and possession of criminal property.

On Wednesday 1 March 2023 Ali appeared at Minshull Street Crown Court and was sentenced to 42 months.

Detective Sergeant Chris Woodburn, from the County Lines Team, said: “Ali had previously had his drug hot line blocked by police after he text his customers to let them know, he then continued by setting up a new one.

“Crack cocaine and heroin are taken by people who suffer from addiction and therefore vulnerable, meaning drug dealers like Ali take advantage so they can reap the rewards from the illegal profits.

“We are continuing to seek out these criminals and shut down the drug phone line to protect vulnerable people and our communities.

“Help us, help them and keep your community safe by reporting any sign of drug activity to police either anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or by calling 101.