A DRUG dealer with a stash of £6,000 in cash has been jailed for three years after he was caught trafficking heroin and crack cocaine on Bradford’s Thornton Road.

Muhammed Awais, 23, was stopped by the police at the wheel of a VW Golf at 3pm on December 29, 2019, Bradford Crown Court heard today.

Awais, of Hoxton Street, Girlington, Bradford, had £615 with him and several phones, one that kept ringing, prosecutor Alisha Kaye said.

His passenger, Wayne Collins, 46, of Rosemary Gardens, Saffron Drive, Allerton, Bradford, had a large bag of Class A drugs on him but his plea to simple possession of crack cocaine and heroin was accepted by the court.

Miss Kaye said both men were arrested from the car and a search of Awais’ home uncovered the cash with traces of heroin on it.

His phone had evidence of drug dealing on it, including messages asking if he was ‘active,’ and a ‘tick list’ of addicts who owned him money.

The court heard he was on his way to sell drugs when he was arrested.

Awais denied any knowledge of drug dealing when questioned by the police but went on to plead guilty to possession with intent to supply heroin and crack cocaine.

Collins made no comment when he was interviewed.

Awais had previously received a suspended sentence for being concerned in the supply of heroin and crack cocaine.

Collins had convictions for possession with intent to supply cannabis and production of the Class B drug.

His barrister, Rebecca Young, said his life had been blighted by addiction since his early teens. His drug addiction led to the breakdown of his relationship but since then, he had worked extremely hard to be a good parent to his children.

Barrister Harry Crowson said that a series of tragic family bereavements had put Awais on the right path in life. He had found a responsible job and wanted to live properly and honestly. He was 19 at the time of the offending and had matured significantly since. Judge Sophie McKone said Awais was peddling misery on the streets of Bradford for financial gain.

The offences were three and a half years ago and since then he had found a job and was doing voluntary work. He had lost close relatives in the Covid pandemic and taken on the responsibility of being head of the family.

Collins had made great efforts to stay out of trouble and be a good parent.

He was sentenced to a two-year community order with a six-month drug rehabilitation requirement and 15 rehabilitation activity days.