Three men were today jailed for a total of 11 years and ten months for their part in a conspiracy to deal heroin and crack cocaine in Bradford.

The group were caught after an 18-month investigation into class A Drugs by the Bradford District Drugs Team.

Mohammed Azeem, 22, of Sunningdale, Rhodesway, Bradford, was jailed for four years and six months at Bradford Crown Court after admitting conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine.

Darren Clarke, 32, of Church Street, Shipley, was jailed for four years, and Shafiq Khan, 29, also of Sunningdale, Rhodesway, was jailed for three years and four months, for their parts in the conspiracy.

Alexis Lawrence, 38, of Westroyd Road, Windhill, Shipley, received an 18-month community order with 18 months supervision and a nine-month drug rehabilitation requirement for admitting his part in the conspiracy.

The charges related to six incidents between September, 2008, and January, 2009. Clarke also pleaded guilty to a charge of supplying heroin and cannabis to an inmate at Armley Prison in September, 2009.

After the hearing, Detective Inspector Neil Benstead, of the Bradford District Drugs Team, said he considered Azeem to be a ‘significant drug dealer’.

He said: “These sentences are as a result of a lengthy investigation lasting more than 18 months into class A drug supply in the Bradford district by officers from the district drug team.

“I consider Mohammed Abbas Azeem to be a significant drug dealer who showed sophistication in his criminal activities. The drug syndicate used a variety of drug-runners, mobile telephones, locations and vehicles to ‘street deal’, harming communities across the Bradford area.

“The investigation led to the recovery of substantial amounts of class A drugs and their imprisonment can only disrupt local markets and be a deterrent to anyone else dealing in the city.

“None of the work is possible without the support of local communities who continue to provide the police with intelligence. I remind everyone that all reports to Crimestoppers are actioned and encourage people to contact Crimestoppers – Dob-in-a-dealer on 0800 555 111 anonymously.”

Azeem was also charged with a separate offence of supplying drugs, along with Matthew Rothery, 34, of Ashington Close, Bradford, who received an 18 month community order with 18 months supervision and a nine month drug rehabilitation requirement.