A 20-year-old man from Bury St Edmunds, Ali Arslan, has been sentenced to 28 months in a young offenders’ institution after being found guilty of running drug lines in the town. Arslan, a “line holder” for three separate drug lines, was responsible for distributing heroin, cocaine, and cannabis between June of the previous year and February this year. The drug lines involved sending bulk advertising texts to users, promoting the sale of these illicit substances.
Arslan was apprehended when police stopped and searched him in Ashwell Road, Bury St Edmunds. He appeared nervous, which prompted officers to investigate further. Upon arrest, a safe containing drugs, including cocaine and cannabis, was discovered in the garden of a nearby property.
During the investigation, Arslan, of Brockesby Walk, admitted to being involved in the supply of cocaine, heroin, and cannabis. Additionally, he acknowledged possessing criminal property after £900 in cash was found on him.
In court, Arslan’s defense lawyer, Benedict Peers, explained that his client had been coerced into supplying drugs by his suppliers. He stated that Arslan was instructed to deliver drugs to a property on Ashwell Road, where they were stored in a garden safe. Arslan also advertised the drugs for sale, following specific instructions given to him. The money he made from the drug sales was handed over to his suppliers.
Although Arslan has no prior criminal record, he admitted that the £90 he earned daily from drug dealing was used to purchase drugs, food, and treats for his girlfriend.
