February 1, 2010
Twelve Years Imprisonment For Luton Drug Dealer
A Luton man was jailed for twelve years at Luton Crown Court on Friday (Jan 29) after pleading guilty to Conspiracy to Supply Class A and B drugs.
The man, Farooq Khalil, dob 12/01/1983, of Ashton Road, Luton was arrested by officers from the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit on September, 16, 2009 after officers had launched an investigation in to a shooting at the Ashton Road address on April 22.
The court heard how Khalil had been shot on the doorstep of his home and received a shoulder injury but on release from hospital the following day he fled the country.
Members of the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Dog and Helicopter Units had tracked another man garden hopping away from the Ashton Road address who was arrested soon after the shooting. They also found a large quantity of Class A and B drugs dropped in the area. This man was charged with Intent to Supply Heroin and Cannabis and has been sentenced to 41/2 years imprisonment after a separate trial at the court.
Khalil was arrested and charged soon after his return to the UK with Conspiracy to Supply Heroin and Cannabis due to forensic evidence found on the dropped drugs and items found within his home.
Speaking after the sentencing today, Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Jon Humphries, of the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, said: “Officers managed to recover 5kg of high purity heroin, 11kg of cutting agent and 3/4kg of cannabis from the Ashton Road address which was clearly being used as a drugs factory. The street value of the drugs recovered could have yielded £3/4 Million.
“The knock on effect of Khalil’s illegal drugs activities meant the whole community was put at risk and this culminated in the shooting incident which sent shock waves and fear through the Luton community. I am satisfied that the sentence today reflects the seriousness of what happened in Ashton Road and sends out a strong message to those who deal in drugs and put our communities at risk.
“I would also pay tribute to the investigating team and officers who worked tirelessly that night without whose dedication this result could not have been achieved.”
Detective are still investigating the identity of the gun man involved in this incident and anyone with information is urged to contact the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit on 01707 355959, or text 07786 200011, or contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
