Phone investigation reveals identity of man controlling a drugs line in Cambridge
Amin Malik, 23, was arrested by officers on October 22 after significant evidence from his mobile phone that he was in charge of a drugs line operating in the city.
The investigation began on April 20, when officers stopped a man in Cambridge who they believed he was in possession of class A drugs.
His phone had messages known as “broadcast messages” from a well-known drugs line offering to supply class A drugs.
The “line” sends out such messages to multiple recipients.
Cambridgeshire police’s Intelligence and Specialist Crime Department (ISCD) confirmed the number was linked to county lines drug dealing.
Further investigations by officers tracked the phone and led to CCTV footage showing where credit top-up purchases were made for the phone.
These checks enabled Malik to be identified as the owner of the phone, despite his efforts to fool police by registering the phone under another name.
Malik, of Third Avenue, London, pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and being concerned in the supply of heroin and was sentenced to five years and four months in prison at Peterborough Crown Court on December 22.
PC Nathan Stuart, who investigated, said: “Tackling county lines is a priority for the force and we’re committed to bringing dangerous offenders to justice and safeguarding the vulnerable people they prey on.
“These kinds of drugs enterprises are often associated with violent crime and the exploitation of children and other vulnerable members of our communities.”
Two other county lines dealers were also jailed at the court on the same day.
If you suspect drug dealing in your area, report it to police at https://bit.ly/2WHuV7X.
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