Martin Tiser, 23, brother-in-law of singer Zayn Malik, has been sentenced to four years in prison for his involvement in a county lines drug dealing network. The young man, married to Malik’s youngest sister Safaa since 2019, was arrested during a police raid at his Bradford home, where officers discovered £17,000 worth of crack cocaine hidden in a garden shed, guarded by a large ‘bull breed’ dog.
When searched, Tiser was found carrying 29 wraps of crack cocaine, 13 wraps of heroin, and £1,000 in cash. Additional evidence at the property included kitchen scales and grip-sealed bags, commonly used for packaging drugs.
Tiser and Safaa’s marriage took place shortly after she turned 17, in a traditional Islamic ceremony held at Zayn Malik’s family home in Bradford—a property purchased by the singer for his parents. The ceremony was attended by both families, with Zayn’s mother sharing photos online. Although Zayn was not present, his former partner Gigi Hadid showed support by liking the post. Safaa later gave birth to their daughter Zaneyah.
The drug investigation, known as Operation Keyside, uncovered that Tiser was linked to the ‘Kev line,’ a county lines operation supplying Class A drugs. Cell phone data revealed calls and bulk text messages advertising drugs, including one that read: “Kev on power…pure dynamite from 8-8. Best deals.” CCTV footage also showed Tiser purchasing top-up vouchers for the phone number linked to the drug line near his home.
At Bradford Crown Court, prosecutor Alisha Kaye highlighted Tiser’s prior convictions for driving under the influence and cannabis possession. Mitigating circumstances were presented by defense lawyer Safter Salam, who noted Tiser’s struggles adapting to life in the UK, including language barriers.
Tiser is required to serve at least half of his sentence before becoming eligible for release.
Meanwhile, Zayn’s other brother-in-law, Junaid Khan—married to Malik’s sister Waliyha—has also had legal troubles. Khan was jailed for five years in 2017 after being convicted of a violent carjacking. The incident involved robbing an elderly woman at her home in Skipton with an accomplice. Videos later showed Khan dancing and laughing in prison.
Zayn reportedly opposed Khan’s marriage due to concerns about his criminal record and unstable financial status, and neither Zayn nor his father attended the wedding held near the family home in Bradford.
