International manhunt launched over huge drugs plot (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

International search begins for man believed to have fled to Spain over drugs plot

8:00am Thursday 1st November 2012 in News By Jenny Loweth, T&A Reporter

Detectives in West Yorkshire have been issued with an international arrest warrant to trace a man wanted in connection with a multi-million pound Bradford-based drugs plot.

Stuart Horsfield (pictured) is believed to have fled the country to Spain after jumping police bail.

He is suspected of being involved in a conspiracy to supply Class A drugs throughout the north of England.

Horsfield, 42, was arrested on July 7, 2010, as part of a major police investigation called Operation Stet, and released on police bail until October that year. He failed to return to the police station when told to do so. His last known address was in Doncaster.

Detective Inspector Noel Devine, of West Yorkshire Police’s Crime Division, said: “We have made extensive searches to find Horsfield, however we have been unable to locate him.

“We believe he has now fled to Spain and we would like to hear from anyone who may have seen him or knows where he is.

“We have taken the unusual step of releasing a photo of Horsfield in order to assist with the search. I would urge anyone who may know his whereabouts to come forward.”

Yesterday, a judge ordered a Bradford drugs courier, jailed as part of Operation Stet, to forfeit £5,000 of his ill-gotten gains.

Mohammed Azeem, 25, of Toller Grove, Heaton, Bradford, was imprisoned for six years and four months in March for his role in a multi-million pound conspiracy.

He pleaded guilty at Bradford Crown Court to plotting to supply Class A drugs between February and July 2010.

Azeem is one of five men serving a total of more than 50 years in prison for their roles in the drugs plot.

Mohammed Shaukat, 37, of Allerton Road, Bradford – at the heart of the Bradford-based heroin and cocaine business – is serving an 18-year sentence.

Abuhassan Rehman, 30, of Peckover Drive, Pudsey, described as his operations manager, is serving a ten-and-a-half-year sentence.

A Proceeds of Crime Application hearing against two other gang members was adjourned until February 1.