Four Gangsters Jailed for Over 30 Years in Major Accrington Drug Bust
Four members of a ruthless organised crime group (OCG) running a dedicated drug line in Accrington have been slammed with prison sentences totalling more than 30 years. Four others were also punished for knowingly letting their homes be used to peddle Class A drugs.
Operation Melford: Police Crack Down on ‘Soldier Line’
In October 2020, police launched Operation Melford after locals raised alarm over drug troubles near St Leger Court, Accrington. Investigations uncovered that a notorious “Soldier Line” drugs operation was brewing in the area.
Waqas Khan was the first nail in the coffin. On October 12, 2020, police stormed a property on Exchange Street. Despite reinforced doors and frantic toilet flushing, officers found scales dusted with heroin and crack cocaine — plus £1,000 in cash. Khan’s phone revealed messages about dealing Class A drugs.
Four Bungling Dealers Attempt Daring Escape – Caught Red-Handed
Later that same day, cops raided a barricaded bedroom in an Oswaldtwistle house on Catlow Hall Street where Khan’s co-defendant, Eshan Monshur, was present. Both men, along with two others, dramatically jumped out of a window to avoid capture — eyewitnesses later confirmed four desperate jumpers.
Police recovered £5,000 worth of heroin and crack cocaine being packed for street-level sales. Monshur’s phone also revealed detailed evidence of drug trafficking for the OCG.
Accomplices Caught Out and Sentenced
- Waqas Khan, 28 – 10 years and 6 months for conspiracy to supply heroin and crack cocaine.
- Junaid Khan, 22 – 12 years and 8 months for the same charges.
- Eshan Monshur, 20 – 4 years and 6 months for drug conspiracy.
- Basha Ullah, 36 – 3 years and 9 months after admitting conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.
Mohammed Mushtaq, another gang member, awaits sentencing.
Premises Owners Also Penalised
Four locals who knowingly allowed their properties to be used for drug dealing were handed community orders earlier this year:
- Natalie Butt, 51, St Leger Court – 12-month community order plus drug treatment.
- John Owen, 51, St Leger Court – 12-month community order with 100 hours unpaid work.
- Lawrie Dunn, 37, Cross Street, Oswaldtwistle – 18-month community order plus drug dependency treatment.
- Anastacia Dearden, 26, Hood Street, Accrington – 12-month community order with rehab requirements.
Police Deliver Strong Warning
“I am pleased with these significant custodial sentences handed down by the court. I hope that they send out a strong message that Lancashire Police and the courts will not tolerate OCGs preying on the vulnerable by selling Class A drugs,” said DCI Tim Brown.
“If you suspect criminal activity in your area, contact the police. We will take action.”
