– Heroin and crack cocaine dealer jailed
– Heroin and crack cocaine dealer arrested.

Accident – Death – Obituary News :

Mohammed Sheikh Sentenced to 10 Years in Jail for Drug Operation

Mohammed Sheikh, a resident of New Birmingham Road in Dudley, has been handed a 10-year prison term by Birmingham Crown Court. The 28-year-old was convicted on Tuesday following a lengthy investigation by West Midlands Police.

Authorities had been monitoring Sheikh and his partner, Sapphire Edwards, for approximately 18 months before apprehending them at Birmingham Airport on May 6 last year. The couple was attempting to board a flight to Cancun, Mexico when they were arrested.

Upon his arrest, Sheikh was found in possession of a significant amount of cash, as well as expensive designer clothing and jewellery. Additionally, police discovered luxury items and cannabis concealed inside a container of moisturising cream in his suitcase.

County Lines Drug Operation Uncovered

The investigation into Sheikh and Edwards began in December 2021 when Sheikh was identified as the mastermind behind a County Lines drug operation known as the ‘Sandy’ line. Local officers in Dudley flagged a phone line suspected to be associated with a major drug operation to the County Lines Task Force.

An analysis of the phone activity revealed bulk messages sent to numerous numbers, a common characteristic of County Lines operations. These messages referenced ‘Sandy’ and advertised drugs for sale, with Sheikh believed to be the key figure behind the operation. Following a purchase made for the phone linked to the ‘Sandy Line’ in November 2021, the number was discontinued shortly thereafter.

In June 2022, Sheikh was detained in Dudley for a drug search, during which nothing illegal was found on his person. However, a search of his mobile phone unveiled deleted bulk messages promoting the sale of class A drugs under the alias ‘Sandy’.

Arrest and Seizure of Evidence

A new ‘Sandy Line’ phone number emerged in December 2022, just days after Sheikh’s search in June. This line distributed daily bulk messages advertising drugs to approximately 300 mobile numbers, many of which were linked to known drug users in Dudley.

Police later identified a third phone linked to Sheikh, owned by his girlfriend, Sapphire Edwards. The phone’s usage and movements were traced back to an address in Dudley where Edwards resided, suspected to be involved in drug dealing.

Following a search of the address in March 2023, Edwards was arrested after a significant quantity of heroin and crack cocaine was discovered in a bedroom. Despite being released on bail, further examination of her phone revealed her involvement in drug deals.

Upon their arrest on May 6 last year, Sheikh and Edwards had their personal phones confiscated. Investigations revealed that they had picked up items in Edgbaston earlier that day, leading to the discovery of high-end designer clothing and cannabis valued at £2,000 at the location.

Legal Proceedings and Sentencing

Sheikh eventually confessed to his involvement in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin, as well as possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. Edwards also admitted to being connected to the supply of crack cocaine and heroin.

While Sheikh has commenced serving his 10-year prison sentence, Edwards, who does not have a fixed address, received an 18-month suspended sentence and was ordered to complete 120 hours of unpaid work.

Police Response and Statements

Detective Constable Phil Langstone of the County Lines Taskforce commented on the case, stating, “Mohammed Sheikh operated a lucrative drug enterprise without considering the detrimental effects on others, including his girlfriend whom he coerced into participating. Despite his attempts to evade capture by changing phone lines, we remained committed to halting his criminal activities and are satisfied to see him incarcerated following a thorough investigation.”

Detective Sergeant Robert Moir, also from the taskforce, added, “Sheikh profited from drug sales while disregarding the harm inflicted on communities, even planning to use the proceeds for a lavish holiday in Mexico. Fortunately, we intervened before he could board the plane, and he is now serving time behind bars.”

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– Heroin and crack cocaine dealer jailed after being caught as he boarded plane
– Heroin and crack cocaine dealer jailed after being caught as he boarded plane.