Members of a gang who supplied huge amounts of drugs in East Lancashire and beyond have been jailed for more than 20 years.
Kingpin Junaid Khan was sent to prison for almost nine years for his role in heading up the organised crime gang (OCG) which dealt large quantities of cocaine and cannabis. The sentences for Khan and other members of the gang follow on from a Lancashire Police investigation into drug supply in the Burnley and Bradford area.
The criminal operation was run by the Khan family and headed up by Junaid Khan, who was already serving a prison sentence for drug offences. Their illegal exploits came crashing down following the execution of a drugs warrant in October last year at the home address of the Khan’s where cannabis and cocaine were recovered along with telephones and cash
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Police were able to assess the mobile phone devices which unearthed drug dealing on a large scale across Burnley and Bradford. In one of the messages, they bragged "#Never off we on 24/7" and in other they wrote "Money talks baby".
Officers secured evidence that one of the group started dealing cannabis when he was just 14. Members of the OCG were jailed at Preston Crown Court this week.
They included:
- Junaid Khan, 24, of no fixed address, eight years and nine months for conspiracy to supply cannabis and being concerned in the supply of cocaine.
- Musa Khan, 19, of Redvers Street, Burnley, one year and six months for conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine
- Trevor Smith, 23, of no fixed address, three years and nine months for offering to supply and being concerned in the supply of heroin.
- Asim Rafiq, 27, Styal Road, Styal, seven years for conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine
- Keeley Glover, 33, Waterbarn Street, Burnley, was given a community order for conspiracy to supply cannabis.
- A 16-year-old, who can’t be named for legal reasons, will be sentenced at a later date for conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis.
Det Sgt Stu Peall, of our East Exploitation team, said: "We will continue to crack down on those involved in drug supply in our communities and who prey on the vulnerable for their own greed. I hope that seeing these sentences encourages people to continue to report suspicious activity, either directly to the police or anonymously to Crimestoppers."
A force spokesperson added: "Operation Warrior is Lancashire Police’s response to tackling serious and organised crime in Lancashire, supported by Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw. It aims to target the individuals and gangs involved in crime, as well as associated issues such as violence and intimidation, large scale drug supply, exploitation, and fraud, all of which can cause serious harm to local communities.
"If you believe that someone may be involved in drugs activity in your area, you can report it to us by calling 101. Alternatively, you can report it via the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or report your concerns anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org. If you think someone is in immediate danger, call 999."
Bragging About Earnings
Now the man who headed the family enterprise has been put behind bars for almost nine years. Kingpin Junaid Khan was at the top of the organised crime group which dealt huge amounts of cannabis and cocaine.
Khan and other members of the gang were sentenced after an investigation into drug supply in the Burnley and Bradford area being run by the Khan family and headed up by Junaid Khan who was already serving a prison sentence.
The downfall of the gang came after a police raid in October last year at the home address of the Khan’s where cannabis and cocaine were recovered along with telephones and cash. Analysis of mobile phones revealed drug dealing on a large scale across both Burnley and Bradford.
Police secured evidence that one of the group started dealing cannabis when he was just 14. Members of the OCG were jailed at Preston Crown Court this week.
Det Sgt Stu Peall, of Lancashire Constabulary's East Exploitation team, said: “We will continue to crack down on those involved in drug supply in our communities and who prey on the vulnerable for their own greed. I hope that seeing these sentences encourages people to continue to report suspicious activity, either directly to the police or anonymously to Crimestoppers."
Operation Warrior is Lancashire Police’s response to tackling serious and organised crime in Lancashire, supported by Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw. It aims to target the individuals and gangs involved in crime, as well as associated issues such as violence and intimidation, large scale drug supply, exploitation, and fraud, all of which can cause serious harm to local communities.
If you believe that someone may be involved in drugs activity in your area, you can report it to us by calling 101. Alternatively, you can report it via the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or report your concerns anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org. If you think someone is in immediate danger, call 999.
Crackdown on Drug Supply
The investigation into the Khan family’s drug supply operation, dubbed Operation King by Lancashire Police, was a major success in the fight against organised crime. The lengthy jail sentences handed down to the gang members send a clear message that the police are serious about cracking down on drug dealing in the area.
The use of social media by the gang to brag about their earnings and operations is a stark reminder of the dangers of online activity. The police are constantly monitoring social media for evidence of criminal activity and will take swift action to bring those responsible to justice.
It is important for the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police. By working together, we can help to keep our communities safe from the harmful effects of drugs.
Continued Fight Against Organised Crime
The fight against organised crime is ongoing. Lancashire Police, through initiatives such as Operation Warrior, is committed to tackling the root causes of crime and protecting vulnerable people from exploitation. The police are working with local communities to build trust and confidence and to ensure that everyone feels safe and secure in their homes and neighbourhoods. The commitment to tackling organised crime is unwavering and the police will continue to work tirelessly to bring criminals to justice. The message is clear: crime doesn’t pay.
