Four Sentenced Over £15,000 Cannabis Supply in Accrington

Four men have been sentenced following a police investigation into cannabis dealing in Accrington, which uncovered drugs worth more than £15,000.

Four men have been sentenced following an investigation into the supply of cannabis in Accrington, after police discovered drugs worth more than £15,000 in vehicles linked to one of the offenders.

The investigation began in April 2024 when Lancashire Police officers stopped a vehicle on Lonsdale Street in Accrington after noticing suspicious behaviour by one of its occupants.

The driver, Haroon Azad, was arrested after officers discovered 80 individual bags of cannabis inside the car.

Further enquiries led detectives to three other men, with all four eventually pleading guilty to offences connected with the supply of cannabis.

Police stop leads to drug discovery

Officers initially stopped the vehicle being driven by Azad on Lonsdale Street.

A search uncovered 80 snap bags of cannabis with an estimated street value of £800.

The drugs were seized and Azad was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply.

Forensic enquiries subsequently linked Azad to Ihsan Tahir, Adil Hussain and David Steele.

All three were arrested as the investigation expanded.

More than £15,000 worth of cannabis recovered

During the investigation, police seized four vehicles belonging to Ihsan Tahir.

Three of those vehicles contained significant quantities of cannabis, with a combined estimated street value exceeding £15,000.

Officers also recovered a mobile phone from Tahir.

An examination of messages on the device revealed communications consistent with the supply of cannabis.

The evidence formed part of the prosecution case against the four men.

Four men sentenced at Burnley Crown Court

All four defendants pleaded guilty before trial.

They appeared before Burnley Crown Court on Friday 23 October, where the following sentences were imposed.

• Ihsan Tahir, 26, of Steiner Street, Accrington, received a 34-month prison sentence, suspended for 21 months.

• Haroon Azad, 32, of Russia Street, Accrington, received a 32-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months.

• Adil Hussain, 32, of Empress Street, Accrington, received a 32-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months.

• David Steele, 31, of Barden Lane, Burnley, received a 12-month community order after pleading guilty to being concerned in the supply of cannabis.

The three suspended prison sentences mean those offenders were not immediately jailed.

Police welcome outcome

PC Paul Wolstenholme, of the Hyndburn Neighbourhood Task Force, said the investigation demonstrated the force's commitment to disrupting drug supply networks.

He said:

"I hope this reassures the public that the police continue to disrupt and target such offences, and in addition to our criminal justice partners, we will present a case for offenders to answer for their crimes."

He also stressed the importance of information provided by local residents.

"We remain committed to disrupting the drugs trade and protecting the public."

Operation Warrior targets organised crime

The investigation forms part of Lancashire Police's wider efforts to tackle drug dealing and organised criminal activity.

Operation Warrior is the force's response to serious and organised crime across Lancashire, supported by Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw.

The initiative targets criminal networks involved in drug supply, violence, intimidation, exploitation and fraud.

Officers are encouraging members of the public to continue reporting suspected criminal activity.

PC Wolstenholme said information from local communities remains vital in identifying individuals involved in drug dealing and other offences.

Source: Lancashire Police statement supplied for publication.