A Bradford-based drug dealer has been sentenced to almost four years in prison after managing a telephone-based narcotics operation.
Mohammed Butt, 31, of Waverley Avenue, Little Horton, was identified as operating as a night-time controller for a supply line trafficking heroin and crack cocaine.
Officers from Operation Phoenix, the unit tackling county lines criminality, observed Butt driving a Volkswagen Golf on July 23.
Authorities were already aware he held a disqualification from driving.
Approximately one hour after this sighting, he was located standing beside a parked vehicle with its boot open in the vicinity of Velvet Mill.
Officers took him into custody.
During the search, authorities discovered two mobile telephones and £799 in currency on his person.
His vehicle yielded cannabis and roughly £50 in small denomination coins, representing what the prosecution described as operating capital for the enterprise.
Analysis of phone records established that an unregistered line associated with Butt maintained regular communication with consumers of Class A substances.
The evidence indicated the line functioned as a night-time operation, rerouting to an alternative number during daytime hours, though registration particulars aligned with Butt’s personal mobile number and electronic mail account.
The prosecution outlined that telephone-based drug operations typically generate exploitation of vulnerable individuals alongside risks of serious violence and harm to the community.
The operation managed by Butt had achieved recognition and reliability within the local distribution network, the court was informed.
Butt entered guilty pleas to involvement in supplying heroin and crack cocaine during the period spanning March 23 to July 23, possession of cannabis, driving while disqualified, and operating a motor vehicle without insurance coverage.
In mitigation, it was submitted that the currency derived from a personal loan provided by his father and the cannabis was intended solely for his own consumption.
The court was advised of prior convictions for comparable offences extending back to 2015.
The defence indicated genuine remorse and regret for the conduct.
In correspondence read to the presiding judicial officer via video link from HMP Hull, Butt stated he recognised having caused significant disappointment to his family and understood the detrimental effects narcotics inflict upon individuals and communities.
Passing sentence, Mr Recorder Tom Little KC observed that Butt had exercised control over a substantial drugs line for at least part of the daily operation, serving as the overnight manager.
The nature of continuous operations necessitated shift-based responsibility.
Examination of communications uncovered extensive Class A drug transactions occurring during his tenure.
The line possessed established credentials and direct association with the defendant was evident.
Butt received 42 months’ incarceration for involvement in heroin and crack cocaine supply, with a concurrent one-month term for cannabis possession.
An additional consecutive one-month sentence was imposed for disqualified driving, with no separate penalty applied for the insurance offence.
Three months of a previously suspended six-month sentence originally ordered for harassment offences in March were activated to run consecutively, resulting in revocation of the original order.
The aggregate term totalled 46 months.
A driving prohibition of 54 months was also mandated.
All controlled substances and associated equipment were ordered forfeited, alongside the £799 in cash.