A pair of brothers have been jailed for their involvement with criminal networks and illegal drugs.
Mohammed Asif (20) (pictured left) and Mohammed Muneeb Asif (22) both of Barlow Road, Manchester, were sentenced to 36 and 32 months respectively at Manchester Crown Court on Friday.
The pair used a dedicated prepay mobile phone line codenamed ‘FREDO’ in the Longsight and Levenshulme areas.
When a kilogram of Class A drugs and bulking agents, along with drugs paraphernalia was found at a house following a warrant on Barlow Road, the Asifs were charged with possession and intent to supply.
A further search located the mobile phone used to facilitate this supply.
The phone was used to submit ‘flare’ messages to advertise the use of drugs and stock to supply, showing active communications from August 2022 to around 100 contacts and believed to be used before that date.
Messages such as ‘Power both Fredo drops all day’ and others including a postcode which linked it back to the Asifs’ home.
Phone evidence data showed more than 8,500 messages were sent and 6,500 messages received, more than 8,500 calls made and 25,000 received.
The incoming calls far outweighed the outgoing which is a key indicator of a drugs line.
No regards for public safety
PC Andy Shaw said; “After a meticulous investigation we have managed to secure sentences for two more key members involved in a large scale drugs supply across our city.
“County Lines operation involves the exploitation of children and vulnerable adults to store drugs and move money as well as weapons through coercion, intimidation and violence.
“Both Asif brothers did this blazingly and with no regards for the safety of the public.
“At GMP we will continue to act on intelligence and bring known drug dealers to justice by ensuring we combat County Lines operations as it brings a whole host of serious crimes being committed for an individual’s gain and pure greed to fund an illegitimate lifestyle.”
