Drug Gang Busted in Major Kidnap and Firearm Probe
A brutal kidnap plot and a huge drugs racket have been smashed by Cleveland Police after a routine vehicle stop sparked a landmark investigation.
Heavy Sentences for Stockton and Liverpool Gang Members
- Sufy Mohamed, 20, Stockton: Jailed for 12 years 9 months. Guilty of conspiracy to kidnap, firearm possession with intent, offensive weapons, and drug offences including Class A and C supply, production, and criminal property possession.
- Alarsh Said, 28, Liverpool: Sentenced to 9 years for conspiracy to kidnap and weapon offences involving possession of firearms and offensive weapons.
- Yousef Muflahi, 26, Liverpool: Also jailed for 9 years on similar charges related to kidnap and firearms.
- Jake Mosley, 21, Stockton: Given 7 years 6 months for conspiracy to kidnap, supply and production of Class A and C drugs.
- Adnan Mohamed, 22, Stockton: Sentenced to 7 years 6 months for conspiracy to kidnap and drug supply.
- Michael Cornwell, 20, Stockton: Jailed for 7 years for Class A and C drug offences and possession of criminal property.
- Victoria Bryson, 42, Stockton: Slapped with 4 years 6 months for conspiracy to kidnap, drug supply, and production offences.
The Investigation: From Traffic Stop to Pill Factory Bust
Cleveland Police’s Operation Filton began with a simple stop on a suspicious vehicle, which fled, leading officers to a kidnap victim. The follow-up investigation uncovered a 9mm Glock and a massive homemade pill factory in portacabins at a local storage unit.
Officers seized large amounts of heroin and bulking agents, plus a staggering 3.5 million Etizolam tablets – a dangerous Class C drug – valued between £3.4 million and £6.8 million.
Police Praise Team Effort That Took Down National Crime Ring
Detective Sergeant Lyndsey Dale said: “This was a long, complex probe led by a small but dedicated team. From a simple stop, we saved a kidnap victim, removed over £3 million worth of drugs from our streets, and seized a deadly firearm that could have devastated our community.”
“The team’s hard work dismantled a national organised crime conspiracy focused on drugs and violence, protecting Cleveland’s communities.”
Detective Inspector Gez Wraith added: “We will not tolerate drug trafficking or criminal firearms. This case shows our commitment to battling serious organised crime. Thanks to partner agencies, the Crown Prosecution Service, and the public for their crucial help.”
