Drug dealer known as ‘Panda’ found to have stashed money in his mother’s handbag
A drug dealer by the name of Mohammed Abbas, also known as ‘Panda’, was recently discovered to have hidden money in his mother’s handbag. The 25-year-old was actively involved in supplying cocaine and cannabis to a large number of customers, with the help of a 16-year-old assistant. The operation, centered in Newport, came to light after law enforcement received intelligence about the illicit activities of the enterprise. The court learned that Abbas was acquiring substantial quantities of cocaine, which he then turned into crack cocaine before repackaging them into smaller portions for distribution.
During a sentencing hearing at Newport Crown Court, details emerged about how Abbas operated his drug line, including references to “washing” cocaine into crack cocaine. Prosecutor Hannah Friedman presented evidence of 1,500 pages of messages on Abbas’s phone related to the supply of cocaine, with occasional mentions of cannabis. The court heard that Abbas would send mass messages, referred to as “text bombs”, to up to 80 customers at a time. Furthermore, conversations revealed plans to sell significant amounts of drugs, such as washing half a kilo of cocaine, valued between £12,000 and £20,000, and selling a quarter kilo with a street value of £7,000 to £10,000 in London.
In October, Abbas was apprehended when a warrant was executed at his residence on Vivian Road, Newport. During the search, authorities uncovered about 10g of crack cocaine and £7,748 in cash. Shockingly, additional funds were found in his mother’s handbag and his sister’s bedroom. Abbas pleaded guilty to the charges of conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs. The court disclosed that Abbas had a previous conviction for supplying Class A drugs and had resumed criminal activities shortly after being released from prison.
In his defence, Abbas’s solicitor, Gareth Williams, highlighted that his client was not living a lavish lifestyle and resided in a modest manner at his parents’ house, lacking expensive possessions like cars and luxury attire. Despite this portrayal, Judge Carl Harrison emphasised Abbas’s pivotal role in the drug operation, noting that he stood to gain significant financial profits from the illicit trade. Consequently, Abbas was sentenced to seven years and six months of imprisonment for his crimes.
The case involving Mohammed Abbas, alias ‘Panda’, sheds light on the pervasive issue of drug trafficking and the damaging impact it has on communities. The collaboration between law enforcement and the judicial system in uncovering and prosecuting individuals involved in such criminal activities is crucial for maintaining law and order. The sentencing serves as a warning to others involved in similar illegal enterprises, highlighting the severe consequences that await those who choose to engage in drug dealing. By upholding the law and delivering justice, authorities aim to safeguard society from the detrimental effects of drug-related crimes.