Addict gran jailed for role in gang peddling heroin and crack cocaine in Burnley

A DRUGS gang peddling heroin and crack cocaine on the streets of Burnley has been jailed for more than 12 years.

The town’s crown court heard how grandmother and addict Gail Grogan (40) who was sent to prison for 40 months for supplying heroin to undercover police in 2002, was the street dealer in the commercial operation.

Supplier Junaid Syed (21) was being paid £400 a week by those further up the chain and had drugs worth between £8,000 and £10,000 at his home.

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Police also found a taser when they raided his property, but he claimed he did not have it in connection with drug dealing and had been told to look after it.

Cabbie Mohammed Faisal (25) who had never been in trouble before, was making cash from enhanced fares, transporting suppliers, and allowing his taxi to be used for deals.

Syed, of Thursby Road, and mother-of-two Grogan, of Ingham Street, Padiham, both admitted conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine, between last August and September. Syed also pleaded guilty to possessing the taser. Faisal, of Forest Street, admitted being concerned in the supply of drugs.

Syed was sentenced to five years imprisonment, Grogan four years and Faisal was given three years and four months.

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Sentencing, Judge Beverly Lunt said Syed had been corrupted by drugs.

She added: “You were prepared to corrupt other people by dealing in drugs at this high level, all for profit.”

The judge said the 40 month prison sentence had not deterred Grogan.

Mr Nigel Booth (prosecuting) said that on September 9th police went to Grogan’s home and saw her sitting nearby on a wall with a drug user. Grogan went over to a taxi, where an exchange took place. Officers then found the user had a £200 bag of heroin on him.

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Syed was the cab passenger and had £200 on him. Grogan had digital scales and a list of names in her handbag. Police searched her home and found drugs paraphernalia.

The court was told a proceeds of crime hearing will be held in June.

Mr Nick Dearing (defending Syed) said his family was devastated by what he had done. He added: “People in the community have been shocked to find out he has got himself into this kind of stupid behaviour.”

Mr Tim Brennand (defending Faisal) said his client was the perfect cover as he was not known to police. The barrister added: “His life now in ruins.”

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Grogan had lapsed into taking heroin again according to Mr Philip Holden (defending) who said she was “a desperate figure known to be immersed in the drugs culture who could obtain drugs for others.”

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