A drug dealer is today starting an eight-year jail sentence after using a rented flat at an award-winning mill regeneration project as a distribution centre for cannabis and cocaine.

Haroon Rahim, 30, and his co-accused, 18-year-old Bilal Rafiq, used the flat in Victoria Mills, Shipley, for the preparation of cannabis and cocaine, Bradford Crown Court heard.

Judge Robert Bartfield told the pair the sole purpose of the flat was to serve as a warehouse and distribution centre for large-scale dealing in the drugs.

The court heard how Rahim, of Stephen Crescent, Bolton, Bradford, resumed offending within days of being released from prison.

Jailing Rahim for eight years, Judge Bartfield told him: “I don’t suggest you were the sole organiser, but you were undoubtedly one of the principal figures. You had a full part in this enterprise.”

Sentencing Rafiq, of Botany Avenue, King’s Park, Bradford, to two years and eight months’ youth custody, Judge Bartfield said: “It seems to me you are somewhat above the level of an ordinary street dealer.”

Prosecutor Michael Greenhalgh said police executed a search warrant at the flat, in August last year, and found more than three kilogrammes of cannabis with a street value of more than £29,000, and cocaine valued at £5,000.

Rafiq arrived at the flat and was found to be in possession of bags of cannabis worth £309, and £312 in cash. Rahim’s fingerprints were found at the flat. He was arrested at his house and £1,970 was found under his bed and £427 on him.

Rafiq was bailed, but when police went to his home in January they found cocaine worth £4,715 and cannabis valued at £400. Police also seized £920 cash.

Rafiq pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis and cocaine with intent to supply, and possessing criminal property. Rahim was convicted after a trial of similar charges.

Imran Shafi, for Rafiq, said he had been introduced to smoking cannabis at school by older people and had been manipulated by others.

Rahim’s barrister, Abdul Iqbal, said he foolishly went back to street dealing after being released from prison.

But Judge Bartfield said: “Your involvement, and the amount in this flat, puts you way above the level of street dealing. You were in a completely different league to your co-defendant.”

When completed in 2008, the £70 million Victoria Mills complex with more than 400 flats, was hailed as a flagship for the Aire Valley’s regeneration.