£750,000 drugs ring smashed

Aadil Ahmed

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A major drugs ring responsible for flooding crack cocaine and heroin onto the streets of Rochdale has been smashed thanks to Greater Manchester Police.

Following a two-year investigation by officers from the Rochdale Drugs Unit, during which £750,000 worth of drugs were seized, one of Rochdale's senior drug suppliers is now behind bars.

Aadil Ahmed (born 27/07/1982), of Sparthfield Avenue, Rochdale, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs at an earlier hearing and on 8 January 2013 was jailed for eight years and three months.

Another member of this criminal network, Grant Hartley (born 16/10/1981), of Stoneyvale Court, Rochdale, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and dangerous driving and was sentenced to three years in prison.

Aadil's sister Aneela Ahmed (born 09/05/1984) of Sparthfield Avenue, Rochdale, was found guilty of two counts of converting criminal property following a trial, and today, 5 February 2013, was ordered to undertake 200 hours of unpaid work and pay £1200 towards court costs.

Aadil Ahmed was one of Rochdale's high ranking drug suppliers and was suspected of acting as a local wholesaler, selling at street level. His drug business operated under the name of 'Saj'.

Living off the profits of his drugs empire, Ahmed led a lavish lifestyle which included expensive holidays and the purchase of high-powered cars.

But thanks to Operation Tremor, his network was effectively dismantled and during the investigation police seized drugs with a street value of £750,000, numerous luxury motor cars and more than £5,300 in cash.

PC Gabriel Gibson, Investigating Officer, said: "Today is the result of painstaking police work by officers to unmask this drugs ring and bring one of Rochdale's most senior drug dealers to justice.

"The successful prosecution of Ahmed is an absolutely fantastic result for the communities of Rochdale and means a man who persistently flooded the streets of Rochdale with crack cocaine and heroin can no longer do any more damage.

"When we talk about seizing three-quarters-of-a-million pounds worth of drugs, in real terms what that means is that we have effectively stopped literally scores of drugs from getting into the hands of hardened drug addicts. The positive effect that will have in Rochdale is immeasurable.

"Everyone is well aware of the corrosive effects of drugs and that they can kill people, but sometimes what is forgotten is that drug addicts often result to burglaries and robberies to fund their addictions, victimising innocent people just to satisfy their need for drugs.

"It is people like Ahmed who are responsible for creating this cycle of misery. He clearly thought nothing of the consequences of selling drugs, he simply wanted to line his own pockets so he could enjoy all the trappings of criminality, as evidenced by his jet set lifestyle and fondness for expensive cars despite not paying any income tax. That is an insult to hard working people who I'm sure will be delighted seeing him imprisoned for such a long time.

"We exposed his criminality as a result of a meticulous investigation that involved analysis of more than 145,000 calls and 900 telephone numbers to other dealers and addicts and some good old-fashioned police work.

"Finally, I would like to thank the people from our communities who were brave enough to report suspicious activity at the drugs stash on Carfax Fold which enabled us to seize such a large quantity of drugs and bring Ahmed and co to justice. We are absolutely determined to root out these drug dealers and with your help we can achieve tremendous results. Look out for tell-tale signs such as properties which always have the curtains drawn, appear to be vacant yet are frequented by numerous different visitors, dustbins not put out, unusual smells etc and if you are suspicious, then please call us."