By Eric King-
Two Bradford drug dealers have been jailed after £3 million of heroin and around £130,000 in cash were seized, as part of a National Crime Agency investigation.
Yusuf Kara, 30, of Glendare Avenue, Lidget Green, Bradford, admitted conspiracy to supply class A drugs and money laundering last month. The pair appeared at Leeds Crown Court today and were sentenced to 10 years four months and two years and four months in prison respectively.On Thursday, October 17, Ashraf drove his Citroen Berlingo van to Whinbrook Gardens, Leeds, where he pulled up next to a grey Peugeot, driven by Kara.
A black bin bag containing cash was placed into the back of the van before both men drove away. Later that day on Ramsbottom Street, Bolton, officers stopped Ashraf who Broadbent, NCA operations manager, said: “The seizure of this significant amount of heroin is a big step towards protecting the public from the damage and devastation drugs cause. On Thursday October 17, Khan drove his Citroen Berlingo van to Whinbrook Gardens, Leeds, where he pulled up next to a grey Peugeot, driven by Kara.
Kara took a black bin bag, that was later confirmed as cash, from his boot and put it into the back of the van, before both men drove away.
Later that day on Ramsbottom Street, Bolton, officers stopped Khan – who has a previous conviction for possession with intent to supply class A drugs – and found approximately £130k in cash hidden under a false floor in the van. He was arrested at the scene. NCA operations manager Jo Broadbent said: “The seizure of this significant amount of heroin is a big step towards protecting the public from the damage and devastation drugs cause.
“These drugs often end up in the hands of County Lines networks, where they fuel violence and the exploitation of young and vulnerable people.
“This significant amount of drugs haven’t made their way to the streets and the criminals behind them are behind bars.
“Tackling drug trafficking is one of our highest priorities, and the NCA will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to pursue and disrupt offenders.”