Ten men jailed, USA News: Ten men have been sentenced to a combined total of more than 85 years in prison following a long-term investigation by West Yorkshire Police into an industrial-scale drug operation based in Halifax. The criminal enterprise involved wholesale distribution of cocaine and cannabis across West Yorkshire, with established connections operating in Middlesbrough, Teesside, and Blackpool, Lancashire.
Mohammed Hussain, 33, of Lemington Avenue, Halifax, managed two primary distribution hubs from a flat in the Holmefield area and another property on Saville Park Road. Digital evidence and police observations demonstrated that Hussain oversaw stock levels, distribution, transactions, and re-packaging while regularly meeting with couriers and customers. His right-hand man, Zahid Shakoor, 34, was also found operating across both addresses.
Police Seizures and Arrests
Hussain was arrested in November 2024 following an exchange that resulted in the seizure of 4kg of cocaine, 20kg of cannabis, and £26,970 in cash. Subsequent searches of the distribution hubs uncovered two stolen shotguns along with industrial-scale drug paraphernalia. The arrest of Hussain triggered the dismantling of the wider gang.
The defendants appeared before Bradford Crown Court for sentencing. The individual sentences handed down by the court include:
| Defendant | Age | Address | Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allah Yaar | 35 | Haigh Road, Lindley, Huddersfield | 14 years and 3 months |
| Zahid Shakoor | 34 | Hornby Terrace, Halifax | 13 years |
| Muhammed Hussain | 33 | Lemington Avenue, Halifax | 12 years |
| Zulfazah Khaliq Hussain | 42 | Washington Street, Bradford | 12 months, suspended for 24 months |
| Muhammed Ahmed Khan | 36 | Lunedale Avenue, Middlesbrough | 10 years |
| Mohammed Nadeem | 44 | Winchester Road, Middlesbrough | 9 years and 6 months |
| Naveed Iqbal | 36 | Reservoir Road, Halifax | 8 years and 1 month |
| Mohammed Rana | 57 | Alwen Avenue, Huddersfield | 5 years |
| Joseph Ali | 27 | Highcroft Avenue, Blackpool | 5 years and 7 months |
| Jordan Barker | 42 | Denbigh Avenue, Thornton-Cleveleys, Lancashire | 4 years and 3 months |
| Ajmeer Miah | 22 | Gainsford Road, Sheffield | 4 years |
Law Enforcement Response
Detective Inspector Kevin Daly of the Force Precision team at West Yorkshire Police commented on the severity of the operation. He noted that large-scale operations of this nature drive associated criminality, including violence and exploitation across local neighborhoods, utilizing firearms and intimidation to maintain control over drug markets.
Authorities emphasized that tackling organized crime remains a priority and encouraged community members to continue providing information to assist police investigations.
