Hull: County line ring leaders imprisoned

Three men and a woman operating as part of an organised crime network distributing Class A drugs within our communities have been found guilty at court, with a further two arrested and currently released under investigation.

Tackling organised County Lines drug dealing, as a part of a large operation with assistance from our colleagues at the Regional and Organised Crime Unit, West Yorkshire Police, and British Transport Police, we’ve removed a gang from our streets who had flooded West Hull with sales estimated to be well in excess of £1,000 a day of heroin and crack cocaine over at least 5 months.

The two ring leaders of the organised crime gang have today (Thursday 23 December) been sentenced to combined total of almost 12 years in jail.

Hassan Mahmood, 22, of Lonsdale Street, Bradford and Asif Ansari,23, of Back Ripley Street, Keighley both appeared at Hull Crown Court charged with the supply of Class A drugs. Mahmood faced additional charges for possession of cannabis and criminal property. They were sentenced today to eight years and three years nine months imprisonment respectively.

Appearing at court at an earlier date, Joanne Delaney,35, of Hessle Road, Hull was sentenced to 12 months in prison suspended for two years after being charged with possession with intent to supply crack cocaine and possession with intent to supply heroin.

Sajadd Iqbal, 30, of Fulford Walk, Bradford pleaded guilty after being charged with six counts of supplying Class A drugs and possession of cannabis, and is currently awaiting sentencing.

A 24-year-old man and a 55-year-old womanremain under investigation after being arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.

Detective Sergeant Matthew Grantham leading the investigation, said: “Hopefully the sentences handed these two men, and those working beneath them, will serve as a warning to others looking to come to our area to deal drugs that they’re not welcome here, and we won’t tolerate it.

“By stopping this gang’s activities, we have prevented significant amounts of drugs from being sold on the streets of Hull and the associated crime and anti-social behaviour that goes with this kind of offending.

“This type of criminality can cause significant disruption to our local communities and we will continue to do everything we can to continue to bring those responsible to justice.

“I would like to thank our colleagues from partnering agencies for their support, as well as the National County Lines Co-ordination Centre, which provided a massive support throughout the investigation.

“I would also like to thank all the people who contact us with information about drug dealing and drug-related crime in their areas. If you have any concerns about what’s happening in your area, speak to your local officer, call into your nearest station or call our non-emergency 101 line.

“If you’d rather not give your name, you can also call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. If someone is in immediate danger, always call 999.”