Bedfordshire ‘Ginge’ County Line Gang Face Nearly 26 Years for Brutal Drug Torture
Four men behind the notorious ‘Ginge’ county drugs line are staring at almost 26 years behind bars. A judge slammed the gang for exploiting vulnerable people with “extreme violence with weapons.”
Ruthless Violence and Terrifying Cuckooing Tactics
In March 2020, gang thugs Shamadul Islam and Mohammed Ali unleashed brutal violence on three residents in a Bedford flat they were cuckooing – taking over someone’s home to run their drug operation. When £300 worth of cocaine went missing, they forced one victim to swallow an antique shotgun, smashed another on the head with a machete, and made some strip naked to find the stash.
One terrified victim was marched to a cash point and forced to hand over £200 to the gang.
“This was a small flat, there was a gang of six, the gang acted aggressively and violently to the occupiers in their home – you instilled such terror and fear they were prepared to do what they didn’t want to do,”
– Judge Steven Evans
He added: “The victims were vulnerable and terrified. This is a very serious example of false imprisonment… double-figure sentences would be appropriate for this terrifying ordeal.”
CCTV Captures Armed Break-In Attempt
The day after the torture, CCTV caught the gang armed with weapons trying to break into another Bedford flat to recover their drugs. The terrifying gang, led by Islam and supported by Ali, Amirul Hussain, and Naimour Ahmed, regularly brandished weapons while sitting in cuckooed flats – terrifying their victims.
One occupant managed to escape and alert a homeless shelter, whose staff quickly informed police. Bedfordshire Police swooped, executing a warrant and arresting five gang members. Officers seized a BB gun, machete, axe, mallet, and nearly £6,000 cash from Islam’s bedroom.
Sentences Handed Down for Gang Terror
- Shamadul Islam (23, Bedford): Eight years eight months for false imprisonment, blackmail, assault, possession of imitation firearm, and drug conspiracy.
- Mohammed Ali (22, Bedford): Nine years plus three years licence for false imprisonment, assault, possession of a bladed weapon, and drug conspiracy.
- Amirul Hussain (24, Bedford): Four years for drug offences, criminal damage, and weapon possession.
- Naimour Ahmed (23, Bedford): Four years for drug conspiracy.
- Two younger runners received two-year youth community orders for their roles.
Police Warn Public About Cuckooing Exploitation
Detective Constable Lindsey Cook praised her team’s work and called the gang’s actions “torture and humiliation.” She warned the public to be vigilant against cuckooing – when gangs exploit vulnerable residents for drug running.
“The brutal reality of drug gangs includes extreme violence and inhumane exploitation. Many victims don’t see themselves as such, but it’s our responsibility to protect vulnerable people in our communities.”
Spot the Signs of Cuckooing
- Different people constantly entering a property; many cars or bikes outside.
- Anti-social behaviour and litter piling up around the home.
- People coming and going at odd hours.
- Damage to doors or doors propped open.
- Unknown visitors buzzing in to the building.
- Resident missing, or acting anxious, distracted, or with unexplained injuries.
- No contact with family or support services.
- Resident refusing to open the door.
- Phone line disconnected.
Bedfordshire Police urge residents to report suspicious activity to protect vulnerable neighbours from gang exploitation and violence.
