Bristol-based drug dealers sentenced to 62 years

15 Bristol-based drug dealers have been jailed following a two year investigation into a conspiracy to supply cocaine and heroin in the city.

The police operation has resulted in the men being sentenced for a total of 62 years and three months.

The final sentences were handed down over the last two days by Judge Lambert at Bristol Crown Court.

During the investigation officers witnessed a 10-year-old boy being used to hand over a bag containing a kilo of heroin. This child has never been identified but is believed to be linked to one of the key conspirators.

Several drugs exchanges took place at Lodge Causeway Bristol and officers also executed a warrant at Dirac Road Bristol where half a kilo of cocaine, a hydraulic press (commonly used by drug dealers to compress drugs), dealer lists and other drug related paraphernalia was seized.

Each defendant pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply heroin, cocaine or both.

Zuaur Ali, 28, from Inkerman Close Horfield was sentenced to six years and Ershane Hussain, 25, from Sheridan Road, Bristol was sentenced to eight and a half years.

Yasir Mahmood, 27, from Brittania Street, Easton was sentenced to two years four months, Aaron Dad, 24, from Cotman Walk, Bristol was given three and a half years and Shazan Qumar, 30, from Clark Street, Bristol was sentenced to two years eight months.

Waseem Hussain, 22, of Oxford Place, Easton was sentenced to five years seven months imprisonment, Tassadaf Hanif, 28, from Franklyn Street, Bristol was handed a five and a half year sentence and Mushabar Aftab, 35, from Earley, Reading was sentenced to five years and three months.

Erion Qela, 25, from Albania was given a three and a half year sentence, Tony Cross who is 26 and from Gaynor Road, Bristol was sentenced to two years and Howard Blake, 42, from Lodge Road, Bristol received a 31 month sentence.

Anthony Byfield, 30, from Portland Street, Bristol was sentenced to 54 months, Bradley Pearcey, 24, from Derwent Road, Speedwell, was sentenced to 24months and Paul England 30, from Gilpin Close, Kingswood received a 32 month sentence. Craig Tamlyn, 31, from Holly Close, Speedwell received a 36 month sentence.

Detective Chief Inspector Richard Kelvey said: "This case should send a strong message to organised criminals that we are committed to disrupting and ultimately destroying their networks.

Anyone that has any information on drug dealing in their area can contact police on 101. Alternatively you call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.