Middlesbrough crack cocaine dealers a ‘scourge on society'

Ako Mahmood and Muhamad Hamad were arrested when police raided a house following reports of drug dealing in a rear alleyway.

Officers recovered £2,710 worth of crack cocaine along with cash and other drug paraphernalia when the house in Middlesbrough was targeted in April this year.

Peter Sabiston, prosecuting, said Hamad attempted to dispose of a mobile phone when police smashed their way into the house while Mahmood was sitting on the floor with a quantity of snap-bags.

He said Hamad maintained that he had only arrived at the address shortly before the raid and was being paid £40 a week to sell the drugs.

“A clear container with cash inside was also located as was a bottle of ammonia which is used in the production of crack cocaine,” Mr Sabiston added.

“There was a moderate amount of crack cocaine, 21.7g, with a street value of £2,170 recovered.”

The court heard how the pair were both Iraqi nationals with Mahmood being granted residency several years ago while Hamad had not been in the country for a long period.

Mahmood, 39, of Essex Street, Middlesbrough, and 24-year-old Hamad, of Deacon Road, Widnes, both pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply Class A drugs – crack cocaine.

Muhamad Hamad (Image: Cleveland Police)

Calum McNicholas, representing Hamad, had left his homeland as he feared he would be persecuted after his father was imprisoned.

He said: “He came to this country in hope of a better life but sadly, fell into a state of financial desperation.

“That led to him selling drugs.”

Ako Mahmood (Image: Cleveland Police)

Victoria Lamballe, representing Mahmood, said her client had entered a guilty plea at the earliest opportunity and had found work before falling into criminality.

She added: “He apologies to the court for having offended in the way he has. He is an Iraqi national who has no prior convictions.

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“He was granted leave to remain in the country after arriving in 2017.”

Judge Richard Bennett sentenced them both to two years in custody and warned Hamad that he could be facing deportation once he is released from prison.

“It seems that you were working in the role for somebody else. There is no evidence of enrichment in either of your cases and it seems to me that you were both working for somebody higher up the chain." he said.

"You have been involved in street dealing of Class A drugs and that is a scourge on society and must be met with an immediate custodial sentence."