Man jailed for eight years for role in big Bradford cocaine bust

Dominic Lowe, 30, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to eight years in prison for involvement in the supply of class A drugs after 35 kilos of cocaine were seized in drugs bust in Low Moor, Bradford, on October 5 of this year.

In a case at Bradford Crown Court today (Tuesday), Crown prosecutor Marte Alnaes said: “At 7.25pm on October 5, 2023, Lowe, who was travelling in a Mitsubishi Shogun, was observed by police in his Mitsubishi Shogun on Moor Top Road, Bradford.

Moor Top Road was where the Mitsubishi Shogun was spotted (Image: Google Street View)

“A Volkswagen Gulf then pulled up and the driver got out and a number of bags were moved into the back of the Gulf.

When police intervened, Ms Alnaes said the person in the Gulf drove off at speed.

A police pursuit ensued but she said that the driver “made good on his escape” by driving on the wrong side of the road on Halifax Road, Bradford, before eventually abandoning the vehicle.

Although police were unable to locate the driver, they searched the vehicle and found 70 vacuum-packed packages containing a powdered substance.

Ms Alnaes said: “One of the 500g bags was tested and found to contain cocaine with a purity of 75 per cent. The total amount of cocaine was 35 kilos, which has a street value of £3.5 million.”

She then said police arrested Lowe at his home address and seized £4,000 in cash he had in his possession.

Lowe’s defence solicitor said his client was involved as a courier and admitted that a few hundred pounds of £4,000 was a payment to him.

Recorder Andrew Dallas: “He admits he was paid a significant sum for taking a big risk.”

And although Lowe’s solicitor said he “regretted getting involved in serious criminality” and was “anxious to move forward with his life”, Recorder Dallas passed sentence on Lowe.

Recorder Dallas said: “I’m going to sentence you for supplying a very large quantity of class A drugs (cocaine).

“You were clearly acting as a courier meeting at a pre-arranged time.

“The other person managed to escape but the vehicle and drugs were recovered. They had a potential street value of £3.5 million.

“You were the paid courier and this shows there was a high degree of trust between you and the person who recruited you for this task.

“You were expecting significant financial gain for your actions.

“This is so serious, so I’m going to give you a substantial prison sentence.

“I’m going to sentence to eight years imprisonment. You have to serve at least half of this sentence before you can be released on licence.”