County Lines: How dashcam footage lead to a gang being jailed for 40 years - part 2

As with other County Lines drug operations, the gang used drug addicts’ houses as a base for vulnerable young people, who are often intimidated and bullied, to sell the drugs.

Taxi driver Shahid Iqbal was introduced to the gang and became a key part of the gang’s activities - using his taxi to transport drugs and vulnerable young people.

Iqbal was also to be instrumental in the gang’s downfall.

It also showed Iqbal explaining to young teenage boys what they were expected to do in order to sell the drugs – as well as the how members were beaten for costing the gang money by not getting to the drug dealing house quickly enough.

As the gang moved drugs into the Stockbrook area officers from a specialist team tackling county lines drug dealing in Derby were investigating those involved in the Marlow Line – and became aware that Iqbal’s taxi was being used to run drugs into the city.

During a series of coordinated warrants and car stops Iqbal was arrested and his taxi seized.

Inside was found a dashcam that recorded, in both pictures and sound, vast amounts of footage detailing the drug dealing activities of the gang.

If you have concerns about someone you know being involved in County Lines activity or know about it happening in your community, contact us using any of the following non-emergency contact methods:

• Facebook– send us a private message to /DerbyshireConstabulary
• Twitter– direct message our contact centre on @DerPolContact
• Website– complete the online contact form derbyshire.police.uk/ContactUs.
• Phone – call us on 101.

You can also anonymously contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111 or by visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org.