Detectives are planning to seize the ill-gotten gains of a major Bradford drug dealer after he was jailed for 14 years.

Police found an armoury of weapons and a haul of hard drugs when they raided the home of Wazir Hussain as part of an 18-month investigation into a drug trafficking chain which stretched between Bradford and the Midlands.

The seven-man gang was sent to prison for a total of 41 years at Stoke Crown Court.

Hussain, 30, of Higher Downs, Chellow Dene, was given the biggest sentence after admitting conspiracy to supply heroin, possessing cocaine with intent to supply and six firearms charges.

Another Bradford member of the gang, Mohammed Shafiq, 26, of Kirkham Road, Lidget Green, was jailed for three years after he pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of heroin.

Detective Chief Inspector Laurie Whitby-Smith, head of Staffordshire Police's Major Crime Unit, which led the investigation, said Hussain was a significant player in the drug trafficking and it was important he had been taken off the streets.

He said: "He was the holder of a significant amount of heroin and was a key individual. He was also in possession of firearms, which was a concern. It is a reassurance that they have been taken off the streets."

The police investigation into the drugs ring began early in 2005. In September, three Stoke men were arrested in possession of nearly a kilo of heroin and inquiries led to Hussain and Shafiq.

A number of search warrants were executed in Bradford and Leeds during a joint operation by West Yorkshire and Staffordshire Police last December. A search of Hussain's home uncovered nearly two kilos of heroin, 95 grammes of cocaine, two revolvers, one of them loaded, a Desert Eagle magnum pistol - one of the world's most powerful hand weapons - 29 rounds of ammunition and CS gas cartridges.

In total, police recovered four kilos of heroin with a street value of £400,000 and £24,000 in cash from the gang.

Det Chief Insp Whitby-Smith said: "A great amount of investigative work went into catching these men. They were part of a ring that supplied heroin between Stoke-on-Trent, Bradford and Leeds and, as shown by the weapons seized, were dangerous criminals involved in serious and organised crime.

"We are committed to tackling the trafficking of heroin. These sentences ensure a major supply chain has been disrupted, while key players are now off the streets and behind bars.

"The investigation is carrying on to try to locate assets that these individuals may have. It is routine when we convict such criminals to identify criminal assets and benefits with a view to seizing them and that is ongoing in this case.

"It is concerning that firearms are on the streets of Bradford. But this has been a significant success. A large amount of heroin has been seized, firearms recovered, dangerous individuals convicted and the streets have been made safer."

e-mail: steve.wright@bradford.newsquest.co.uk