Police Nab Trio with Massive Laughing Gas and Drug Haul in Radford
Radford cops on patrol spotted a suspicious car cruising Prospect Street. As they moved to stop it, the vehicle suddenly pulled over. Officers approached the three occupants: Naheem Akhtar, Asim Haque, and Manawar Ali – unaware they were about to uncover a major drug stash.
Laughing Gas, Cocaine, MDMA & Cannabis Found in Shocking Haul
Before police could search, Ali made a dash for it but was quickly caught hiding in a nearby garden with cocaine and cannabis. Back at the car, officers discovered over 2,500 nitrous oxide canisters (so-called ‘laughing gas’) and balloons. A bag under a seat, dusted with Akhtar’s fingerprints, contained MDMA, cannabis, scales, and hundreds of deal bags.
Underwear, Homes & Phones: Drugs Hidden Everywhere
- Ali was arrested and joked about missing a student party they were heading to.
- Police found sealed cocaine and cannabis bags hidden in Akhtar’s underpants.
- Haque had a phone loaded with messages about selling cannabis and nitrous oxide.
- Searches of Akhtar’s home uncovered more MDMA and nitrous oxide canisters.
- Ali’s home yielded a small cannabis grow.
Sentences Delivered: Mixed Jail and Suspended Terms
On Monday 7 August, Akhtar, 36, of Noel Street, and Haque, 37, of Nottingham Road, faced Nottingham Crown Court. Akhtar pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply multiple drugs and received a two-year jail term, suspended for 12 months, plus 10 rehab days. Haque admitted possession with intent to supply cannabis and psychoactive substances, sentenced to 14 months, suspended for 12 months, also with 10 rehab days.
Ali, 38, from Tettenbury Road, Basford, will be sentenced on 18 August.
PC Catherine Stafford, Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This case perfectly shows our commitment to ridding our streets of drugs. These three were caught heading to a party in a car stuffed with nitrous oxide and deals of cocaine, MDMA, and cannabis.
“There’s no excuse for having these dangerous and illegal substances. Inhaling laughing gas isn’t harmless fun – it can seriously harm your health. Selling it is a crime, and large quantities like those found here will land you in trouble.
“We won’t tolerate drug supply in Nottinghamshire and will keep going to court anyone involved.”
