A court in Manchester has jailed two brothers who ran a criminal network for more than 25 years, along with three accomplices.
Manchester Evening News reports that Asif and Zia Khan from Bolton employed couriers and store men to mix and distribute drugs for them.
However, their drugs empire was smashed in July 2014, after police stopped three cars in Ardwick and discovered drugs – including more than £42,000-worth of cannabis in the boot of a black Toyota Corolla.
Police arrested three couriers working on behalf of Asif Khan, who was controlling the deal.
Later that summer, a man – identified as Adil Khan – was seen leaving a house in the Halliwell area of Bolton, with an envelope containing wrappings used to package Class A drugs. Police searched the house and found a shoebox containing a kilo of cocaine worth more than £140,000.
Police discovered that Adil Khan was working for the Khan brothers cutting and weighing the cocaine.
In February this year, he was jailed for eight years – and earlier this year, two other men were also jailed for two-and-a-half years and 10 months each for their roles in the drugs operation.
On Friday (31/07/15), Asif and Zia Khan appeared at Bolton Crown Court.
Asif Khan, 24 – of Rosamond Street in Bolton – was convicted of conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs and jailed for 16 years.
His brother Zia, 41 – of Westbourne Avenue in Bolton – was convicted of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and jailed for 10 years.
After the hearing, Detective Constable Ian Graham from Greater Manchester Police’s Serious Organised Crime Group said:
“They had no wish to get their hands dirty – but their control over this drug-dealing network was undeniable.
“They used Eastbank Street as safe haven for drugs under their control –
and following Adil Khan’s arrest, they arranged for a locksmith to gain entry to the property so they could check the whereabouts of their drugs.
“To have convicted these brothers means we have dismantled the day-to-day operations of this organised criminal network – and in doing so, disrupted the supply of drugs onto the streets of our communities.
“I would like to commend all the officers who have worked tirelessly on this investigation, which began back in November 2012.”
Duncan Lewis Crime Lawyers
Duncan Lewis crime lawyers can advise at any stage of a criminal charge, including charges relating to drug offences, such as supplying drugs, manufacturing drugs, distributing drugs and importing Class A and Class B drugs.
There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and a criminal defence solicitor can usually reach a client for police interview under caution within an hour.
For expert legal advice on all criminal charges, call Duncan Lewis crime lawyers on 020 7923 4020.
For 24/7 help at a police station, call the Duncan Lewis Emergency Hotline on 020 7275 2036.