A STREET drug dealer spotted at the wheel of a Skoda with 136 wraps of crack cocaine and heroin on board has been spared an immediate jail sentence.

Zohib Arif was stopped in Low Moor, Bradford, on September 20, 2021, with more than £1,300 of drugs and £105 in cash, Bradford Crown Court heard today. Prosecutor Philip Adams said that Arif, 23, of Glendale Drive, Wibsey, Bradford, was seen by officers on patrol in a marked vehicle at 9.15pm. He was going at speed and made several sharp turns as if to evade them.

He abandoned the car and ran off but was arrested after he fell over.

A man bag with him contained the drugs, cash and a phone.

Mr Adams said the 109 wraps of crack cocaine and 27 wraps of heroin would sell at £10 each. The cocaine was therefore worth £1,090 and the heroin £270.

Arif was 21 at the time with a single conviction for possession of an offensive weapon.

He made no comment when questioned by the police but pleaded guilty to possession of heroin and crack cocaine with intent to supply it.

In mitigation, his solicitor advocate, Saf Salam, said he had been exploited by others who coerced him into drug dealing. He was not threatened but he was put under pressure.

He was using cannabis and cocaine at the time and selling the drugs to finance his own habit.

Mr Salam said Arif had no control over the operation. He was just driving the car to supply users in the street.

The offences were now 16 months old and were not part of a pattern of serious criminality.

Arif had been traumatised by his early life and testimonials spoke very well of him.

He was a qualified security officer and hoped to obtain work.

Judge Colin Burn said Arif was caught with 136 wraps of Class A drugs and he had been dealing since he was about 17.

He had spent his time with some particularly unpleasant people who were making a profit out of the misery or death of others.

Judge Burn conceded that Arif was under pressure to pay for the drugs he was taking. He was 21 at the time and had a minimal record of offending.

Arif was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment, suspended for two years.

He must complete 25 rehabilitation activity days and do 240 hours of unpaid work.