Man caught with cannabis haul in County Lines sting jailed – Paddington
A 22-year-old man has been sentenced after he was caught carrying drugs with a street value of more than £8k.
Mohammed Mirza, of Worcester Court, Elmfield Way, Westminster pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply a controlled class B drug and was sentenced at Inner London Crown Court on Tuesday, 18 June.
He was sentenced to eight months in prison suspended for two years and must fulfil a rehabilitation activity requirement.
He was also ordered to complete 120 hours unpaid work and must pay a victim surcharge of £187.
The court heard how on Wednesday April 24, plain clothes officers from BTP County Lines Task Force were patrolling Paddington Railway Station when they spotted Mirza and approached him.
After asking him about his travel plans officers became suspicious that he may be involved in the transportation of drugs.
Asked whether he was carrying anything he shouldn’t be, Miraz replied ‘Hash’.
He was detained and searched and was found to be carrying 17 bars of cannabis resin with a street value of £8,425.
Investigating officer PC Jonny Smith said: “Mirza’s story about why he was travelling just didn’t add up and alerted our specialist officers’ suspicions.
“We are always on the lookout for anyone involved in County Lines activity – we deploy a number of specialist units, including plain clothes officers and drugs dogs so rest assured – if you’re involved in criminal activity on the rail network – you will be caught and brought to justice.
“If you spot anything that seems suspicious as you travel on the railway, please report it to us by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40.”
020 3457 8890
