A drug dealer from New Birmingham Road, Dudley, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison following a thorough investigation by West Midlands Police. Mohammed Sheikh, aged 28, was convicted at Birmingham Crown Court on Tuesday for his involvement in a County Lines drug operation known as the ‘Sandy’ line.
The investigation into Sheikh and his partner, Sapphire Edwards, began in December 2021 and culminated in their arrest at Birmingham Airport on May 6 last year as they attempted to board a flight to Cancun, Mexico. At the time of his arrest, Sheikh was found in possession of a large sum of cash, expensive designer clothing, and jewellery. Furthermore, cannabis hidden within a container of moisturizing cream was discovered in his suitcase.
Police first identified Sheikh as the mastermind behind the ‘Sandy’ line after receiving reports of suspicious activity in the Dudley area. Bulk messages advertising drugs for sale were traced back to Sheikh’s phone number, prompting further investigation by the County Lines Task Force.
In June 2022, Sheikh was detained for a drug search in Dudley, during which deleted messages promoting class A drugs were found on his mobile phone. Subsequently, a new ‘Sandy Line’ number emerged in December 2022, sending daily bulk messages to approximately 300 mobile numbers linked to known drug users in the Dudley area.
Following their arrest, Sheikh and Edwards had their personal phones seized, revealing incriminating evidence of their involvement in drug dealing. While Sheikh admitted to charges related to drug supply and possession, Edwards pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin.
Detective Constable Phil Langstone of the County Lines Task Force commented on the case, stating, “Mohammed Sheikh was running a profitable drugs operation with little regard for its devastating impact on others, including his girlfriend who he coerced into working for him.” Detective Sergeant Robert Moir added, “Sheikh’s greed for profit from drug sales, despite the harm they cause, led him to plan a luxury holiday in Mexico. Fortunately, we intervened before he could escape justice.”
In conclusion, Sheikh’s conviction serves as a significant victory in the fight against drug trafficking and organized crime in the West Midlands region. Edwards, on the other hand, received an 18-month suspended sentence and community service for her involvement in the illicit activities..
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