Drug dealer jailed for nine years after Luton Airport arrest

A 30-year-old drug dealer from Rochford, Shazad Miah, has been sentenced to nine years in prison after being arrested at Luton Airport upon returning from Turkey on 4 June 2023.

Miah ran a drug line supplying crack cocaine and heroin in Southend-on-Sea, using the profits to fund multiple luxury holidays, according to Essex Police.

The police reported that Miah operated the "Frankie" drug line between February and June 2023, using ten different mobile numbers to advertise the sale of Class A drugs, the BBC reported.

He managed up to five runners daily and earned over £30,000 in criminal profits, which he deposited into business and personal accounts linked to a fake car hire company.

These funds were used to pay for trips to Paris, Menorca, Amsterdam, and Turkey.

Police raided Miah's home on the day of his arrest, seizing over £3,000 in cash and a passport belonging to one of his suspected runners.

Miah was found guilty of being concerned in the supply of heroin and crack cocaine, as well as possessing criminal property.

He had previous convictions for drug dealing in 2013 and 2020, with his latest sentence handed down by Basildon Crown Court.

Det Sgt Rob Maile stated that Miah distanced himself from the negative impacts of drug addiction in the community while profiting from his illegal activities.