Key player in a £300,000 ‘Charlie Line’ West Midlands drugs network jailed

Hamza Shahzad, from Smethwick, was arrested by police in Brierley Hill for County Line drugs deals
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A key player in a £300,000 drugs network is behind bars today for his role in a criminal network supplying crack cocaine and heroin in the Black Country.

Hamza Shahzad, from Smethwick, was stopped by officers on Hill Street, Brierley Hill, in March this year. Officers searched the car he was in and found drugs and cash inside.

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They then searched Shahzad’s home where they seized more drugs, including crack cocaine and heroin.

Further investigations linked him to a drugs supply into Dudley and Stourbridge from Smethwick.

Police identified Shahzad as a key player in the ‘Charlie line’ and evidence showed he was involved in dealing drugs between May 2021 to March 2022.

Police estimate that street deals worth more than £300,000 were made during this time.

Shahzad HamzaShahzad Hamza
Shahzad Hamza

What happened at court?

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On Wednesday 27 July the 21-year-old pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of class A drugs at Wolverhampton Crown Court. He was jailed for six years.

It’s the latest success against county lines drug dealers.

Catching county lines drug dealers is a priority for police because it often involves the exploitation of children and vulnerable people. It’s linked to serious violence between drug gangs and crime committed by users to fuel their addictions.

Shahzad Hamza evidence released by West Midlands PoliceShahzad Hamza evidence released by West Midlands Police
Shahzad Hamza evidence released by West Midlands Police

What have West Midlands Police said about the case?

A spokesperson for the force said: “Anyone who thinks getting involved in drugs supply is an easy way of making big money needs to think again.

“We have a specialist County Lines taskforce to target these dealers and there’s a strong chance they will end up behind bars.

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“Help us. Tell the charity Crimestoppers who is responsible for dealing drugs in your area. They will not ask your name or trace your call. You may also be entitled to a reward. Call them now on 0800 555 111.”

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