Two notable figures from Yorkshire’s drug scene have received nine years imprisonment each following their orchestration of a lucrative drug operation in Grimsby, supplying heroin and crack cocaine. Andrew Fox and Hazrat Shah, both with a history in the drug trade, initiated their illegal activity promptly after purloining a phone SIM card from a local supermarket. They enlisted a convicted drug dealer from Grimsby with existing connections in the local drug trade to manage their phone line, which carried significant quantities of the aforementioned drugs across Grimsby, as was revealed in court.
Fox, a 39-year-old resident of Garforth, Leeds, and Shah, a 37-year-old resident of Bradford, refuted the accusations regarding the supply of heroin and crack cocaine between January 4 and 16, 2020. Nevertheless, they were pronounced guilty following a six-day trial. Fox also pleaded guilty to possession of criminal property, while Jason Gladding, a 34-year-old from Grimsby, admitted guilt to conspiracy to supply.
Brian Russell, the prosecutor, informed Hull Crown Court that Fox and Shah stole the SIM card from a Grimsby Asda, using it shortly after to advance drug sales from a phone linked to Shah. Gladding provided valuable local drug trade contacts, aiding the unlawful scheme. The phone’s control was occasionally shared between the men during the 11-day conspiracy period, with two teenage boys being utilised as couriers.
The discovery of £30,000 in cash linked to drug activity within a house used as the operation’s headquarters led to indications of the operation’s scale, which was uncovered just as police discovered 242 drug packages in the property.
Fox and Shah held significant roles within this drug trade network, especially regarding the involvement of the teenagers. Fox’s criminal record includes 30 convictions, mainly burglary and dishonesty offences, while Shah has a record of 78 previous offences primarily related to dishonesty and driving. Both have previously served sentences for drug-related crimes.
Defence propositions drawn attention to the short length of the illegal enterprise, around 10 or 11 days, with Fox insisting his involvement commenced three or four days into the operation. His defence attorney, David Burgess, affirmed Fox’s successful reformation, living a crime-free life for the last five years. Representing Shah, Mark Hemming emphasised Shah’s consistent employment as a tyre fitter and his disengagement from drug activities following his arrest over five years ago.
Judge Tahir Khan KC emphasised that individuals involved in Class A drug dealing should expect serious custodial sentences. He underscored the organised nature of the operation led by Fox and Shah, with Gladding contributing crucial local contacts; the exploited teenagers acted in key roles without other higher-ranking individuals.
Earlier, Gladding, who had been out on bail, received a three-year sentence.
This story was adapted from original reporting by The Grimsby Telegraph.
