Covid drugs courier jailed over 20kg heroin run to Leeds as police renew wanted appeals
A Bradford man who acted as a drugs courier during the pandemic has been jailed, while detectives have issued wanted appeals in relation to the same investigation.
Ali Hussain transported 20 kilograms of heroin from Birmingham to Leeds in May 2020 during the Covid lockdown.
Hussain, aged 36, of Sunrise Court, Bradford, appeared before Leeds Crown Court last Wednesday (Nov 19), where he admitted conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.
He was jailed for seven years and five months, plus an additional 12 months to run concurrently for the possession of cannabis with intent to supply, after he was arrested with two kilos of the drug in March 2021.
While Hussain received his sentence, officers renewed their appeal for the wanted man, Shafiqul Islam Ali. He was found guilty of conspiracy to supply two kilos of heroin, possession with intent to supply cocaine and possession of criminal property at a trial held in his absence last year.
He was due to appear before the court in Leeds for sentencing in January of this year, but failed to turn up. He was sentenced to a total of 14 years in his absence.
The 44-year-old, formerly of Grafton Street in Bradford, is described as an Asian male, around 5ft 7ins (170cm) tall, of slim build with short black hair and brown eyes. He has connections to Leeds, Bradford and Birmingham.
Police have also issued a wanted appeal for Yakub Miah, also known as Mohammed Kazi, aged 52, who has been charged in his absence for the same conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and is awaiting trial.
He is described as an Asian male, around 5ft 4ins (162cm) tall, of medium build with short black hair and brown eyes. He has connections in the Leeds area.
Detective Inspector Chris Rukin of West Yorkshire Police said: “I’m pleased that Hussain has been brought to justice and will serve a lengthy sentence for an offence that causes serious harm to our communities here in West Yorkshire.
“Our focus now turns to ensuring that Ali also serves his sentence and that Miah is brought before the courts and I would urge anyone with information about their whereabouts to contact us.”
Anyone who has information about Ali Yakub Miah or Shafiqul Islam Ali is asked to contact West Yorkshire Police by calling 101 or going online via https://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/LiveChat, quoting reference 13200327588.
Information can also be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.