Man jailed after calling police from phone he had been using to set up drug deals

22 April 2024, 12:27 | Updated: 22 April 2024, 14:23

A drug dealer has been jailed for three years after calling the police from the mobile phone he had been using to set up deals. 

Rakib Khan, 23, phoned police in March 2022 as part of his bail conditions while under investigation for a separate offence.

Just over a year later, Khan used the same number to dial 999 to report that he was being burgled when in fact officers had entered his home to arrest him.

Greater Manchester Police arrested Khan in July 2023 after finding the number he used while on bail was linked to the Ali drugs line in Oldham.

Police believe the drugs line, which refers to a phone number used by a crime gang to contact their customers and sell illegal substances, was making up to £1,000 a day.

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Khan, from Oldham, was a dealer connected to the line but using a number of his own to set up deals.

He pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine and heroin and the possession of Class B drugs and was sentenced to three years in prison at Minshull Street Crown Court, Manchester, on 19 April.

Police have said the sentencing of Khan has disrupted the Ali line.

PC Rhiann O'Malley, of Greater Manchester Police's serious crime division, said: "We will continue to act on all intelligence received and are determined to make sure those who break the law will face justice."