Ibrar Hussain, 35, operated the notorious ‘ACE Line’ drug service from his home in Birmingham, distributing crack cocaine and heroin to customers in both Birmingham and Stourbridge.
Hussain used bulk SMS messages to advertise crack cocaine and heroin to over 90 users. Customers would then contact him by call or text to place their orders. He made daily trips to Stourbridge to deliver the drugs in person.
Police first encountered Hussain on 15 September 2022 when they seized a mobile phone from him. Investigations showed the phone was his active drug line, with Hussain frequently travelling between Ward End Park, Washwood Heath, and Stourbridge. At the time, he was found carrying £1,200 in cash, which raised further suspicion.
On 3 October, officers stopped Hussain driving a Volvo into Stourbridge and discovered another Nokia phone under the driver’s seat. A search of his home uncovered an additional £500 in cash. Messages on the Nokia phone confirmed customers were enquiring about drugs, verifying the phone’s role in his supply operation.
Hussain pleaded guilty to charges of supplying crack cocaine and heroin between 27 July and 15 September 2022, as well as possession of criminal property. He was sentenced to four-and-a-half years in Birmingham Crown Court.
DC Philip Langstone, lead investigator on the case, said: “County Lines drug dealers target the most vulnerable, ruining lives and blighting communities. We are pleased Hussain has been taken off our streets and is now serving time behind bars.”
He added, “Serious and organised crime persistently erodes communities and the gangs ruthlessly target the most vulnerable, ruining lives and blighting communities.”
If you have information about County Lines drug dealing, contact police via Live Chat on their website or call 101. Alternatively, report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 55111.
Originally published by UKNIP.
