Two men from Bradford who attempted to hide 14 kilos of a Class A drug in a “sophisticated” hiding spot have been jailed at Bradford Crown Court today.
Faruk Miah and Safraz Latif hid a total of 14 kilos of cocaine drug inside the body of the gas canister.
Last year, West Yorkshire Police raided a property connected to the duo, where they found cocaine with an estimated street value of £1.4 million onto the streets of West Yorkshire by hiding it in a gas canister that released real gas from the valve when officers turned it.
Also found in the raid, on 9 February 2021, was a quarter of a kilo of cannabis and a pistol.
Mr Miah, aged 44 of Cornwall Place, Manningham, Bradford, admitted possession with intent to supply cocaine and possession with intent to supply cannabis at an earlier hearing.
The court heard he played a leading role in the drug supply operation and he was also found guilty by a jury of possessing the firearm after, an 8mm semi-automatic pistol.
The court heard today that Mr Miah had previously been jailed for violent disorder and Mr Latif had served three years for a drugs trafficking offence
Appearing before Bradford Crown Court for sentencing today, he was jailed for a total of 18 years.
Mr Latif, aged 37, of Beacon Grove, Bradford was found guilty of possession with intent to supply cocaine at an earlier hearing. He was said to have played a significant role in the operation and was jailed for 11 years.
Speaking after the sentencing, Det Inspector Mark Atkinson of West Yorkshire Police’s Force Precision SeriousOrganised Crime Unit said: “This was a complex investigation which involved a certain degree of sophistication by the perpetrators in their attempts to avoid detection.
“I welcome the significant sentencing of the leaders of this organised crime group and it is clear that a strong message has been made that the courts, West Yorkshire Police and the Crown Prosecution Service will work together to keep West Yorkshire safe and feeling safe.
“Today’s sentences should serve as a message to the people who are intent on bringing drugs into our communities – you can expect to feel the full weight of the law upon you.
“I also hope that it shows the public we serve that any information relating to serious organised crime that is given to the police will be treated in the strictest confidence, and all efforts will be made to remove threat and risk from the communities of West Yorkshire.”
