Drug dealers facing 56 years behind bars

Over the last 12 months, 16 drug dealers from across Burnley have been convicted and sentenced receiving a total of 56 years in prison.

Police have released images of the most recently convicted drug dealers to let others know about the consequences of committing crime.

It comes after a man was jailed for five years seven months for possession with intent to supply heroin. John Lyall (30), of Milton Road, Colne, was sentenced at Burnley Crown Court on December 9th.

Det. Insp Martin Melvin said: “Lyall is just one of 16 drug dealers who have been taken off our streets and brought to justice. All those convicted of drug dealing offences this year have been given lengthy prison sentences and will now have to face the consequences of their actions – by spending Christmas behind bars.”

Lyall’s mugshot is to feature in a Christmas leaflet campaign.

Dealers from Burnley and Padiham jailed include:

Junaid Syed (22), of Thursby Road, Burnley, jailed for five years on December 13th, 2010.

Gail Grogan (41), of Ingham Street, Padiham, jailed for four years on December 13th, 2010.

Imran Hussain (29), of Edge End Avenue, Brierfield, jailed for five years on March 7th, 2011.

Amjad Khan (25), of Arley Gardens, Burnley, jailed for four years on March 18th, 2011.

Saqib Ahmed (24), of Thorn Street, Burnley, jailed for three years on March 18th, 2011.

Usman Maqsood (21), of Ferndale Street, Burnley, jailed for two years eight months on March 21st, 2011.

Labib Arshid (38), of Hill Street, Brierfield, jailed for three years four months on August 11th, 2011.

Zohaib Bukhari (20), of Heyhead Street, Brierfield, jailed for two years on September 26th, 2011.

Det. Insp Melvin added: “Drug dealers should be under no illusions at all – if they are committing crime, they will be targeted until they are caught and sent to prison.

“We need the public’s assistance and I urge anyone who sees anything suspicious in their neighbourhood, or who knows anything about drug dealing in their community, to contact us.

“We are aware of the devastating impact drugs can have on a community and we will continue to do everything within our power to target offenders and bring them to justice.”

Anyone with information about drugs can contact the police non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.