Major County Drugs Line Busted Between Birmingham and Aylesbury
In July 2019, Aylesbury Vale Stronghold team uncovered a major county drugs line running daily between Birmingham and Aylesbury. This criminal network, known as a county drugs line, uses phone lines to export illegal drugs across counties and coordinate street-level deals.
‘Khan Line’ Drug Ring Flooded Aylesbury Streets
On 17 July 2019, Basharat Mohammed was arrested in Aylesbury with over £1,700 cash, 52 wraps of crack cocaine, and a phone used to run the drugs line. His arrest temporarily shut down the operation, but the line, locally dubbed the ‘Khan line’, quickly bounced back.
Over the next months, dealers from Birmingham made near-daily trips to Aylesbury’s streets. The gang expanded, roping in locals like Mohammed Wasim and Gulam Tariq to manage sales, using a tactic called ‘cuckooing’—exploiting innocent people’s homes to run their trade.
By early 2020, the ‘Khan line’ had become the top supplier of crack cocaine and heroin in the area, regularly contacting over 200 customers and forcing vulnerable users into street selling roles.
Police Ramp Up Action With Dozens Arrested
- Between July 2019 and February 2020, officers made 16 intervention activities and numerous arrests but the operation persisted.
- On 11 June 2020, Thames Valley Police raided a drug packaging base in Aylesbury, seizing heroin and equipment.
- West Midlands Police followed up with raids in Birmingham, arresting Omar Ali from his home.
- More than 20 arrests were made for class A drug supply, with 19 charged.
Gang Members Slapped With Hefty Prison Sentences
On 3 August 2021, at Aylesbury Crown Court, nine key players were sentenced to a combined 50 years behind bars for conspiracy to supply crack cocaine and heroin from July 2019 to June 2020.
- Basharat Mohammed, 27: Six years two months for masterminding the line.
- Omar Ali, 29: Five years four months for sourcing and packaging drugs.
- Kamraan Ali, 25: Five years eight months for key roles in Birmingham and Aylesbury.
- Gulam Tariq, 20: Five years for managing daily operations in Aylesbury.
- Mohammed Wasim, 19: Three years nine months.
- Mohammed Rafiq, 24: Four years eight months.
- Ayaz Khan, 26: Four years six months.
- Luke Stratfull, 31: Two years imprisonment.
- Mohammed Aftab, 39: One year three months, suspended sentence.
Two others received suspended sentences for related offences, including supplying heroin and allowing premises to be used for drug deals.
Detective Constable Slams Drug Lords Exploiting Vulnerable People
“For almost a year, Basharat Mohammed and his associates profited from selling crack cocaine and heroin whilst exploiting vulnerable people across Aylesbury,” said Detective Constable Laurie Twine.
“They employed numerous street dealers who were treated as disposable once caught. Despite early arrests, they refused to quit and will now spend extended time behind bars.”
“This investigation shows that hiding in Birmingham or anywhere else won’t shield criminals from justice. Thames Valley Police will relentlessly pursue county drugs lines wherever they operate.”
“Thanks also go to partner agencies who helped safeguard vulnerable individuals during our investigation.”
“Cash seized from these criminals has been donated to charity to support positive change in the community.”
