A man who posed as a Deliveroo driver has found himself in trouble with the law after the discovery of illegal substances in his possession. Abubaker Abdulrahman, 27, was apprehended with over £2,700 worth of cannabis concealed in a Deliveroo-branded bag. It was revealed that Abdulrahman had been using this guise to deliver drugs to 11 customers in Cardiff. The incident unfolded when police officers in Roath spotted Abdulrahman riding an E-bike near Monthermer Road on January 5, carrying a Deliveroo bag. He was observed approaching a property in Pen y Wain Road, prompting the officers to approach and detain him.
During a sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court, it was disclosed that Abdulrahman had 49 grip seal bags of cannabis in his possession, along with £90 in cash and a Samsung phone. The cannabis weighed 281g in total, and its value was estimated to be between £1,790 and £2,770. The varying weights of the packages ranged from 2.2g to 15.23g, including items such as Cali bags of female flowering head, cannabis-infused vapes, and THC-containing caramel fudge brownies. Investigations into the Samsung phone unearthed incriminating messages indicating Abdulrahman’s involvement in 11 cannabis deals.
Despite initially claiming that he had been coerced into drug couriering and was a victim of modern-day slavery, Abdulrahman, who does not have a fixed address, pleaded guilty to two charges of possessing cannabis with intent to supply. His defence counsel, Martha Smith-Higgins, highlighted that Abdulrahman was an asylum seeker from Iraq, having fled the country in 2020 due to safety concerns. However, his immigration status barred him from employment and benefit claims, leading to financial hardships. In light of the circumstances, Judge Paul Hobson sentenced Abdulrahman to 18 weeks in prison and imposed a six-month driving ban for riding the E-bike without insurance.
Individuals posing as delivery drivers to facilitate illicit activities raise concerns for public safety and highlight the complexities faced by vulnerable immigrants without adequate support systems. The case serves as a reminder of the challenges asylum seekers encounter, navigating legal restrictions and economic hardships while striving to establish secure livelihoods. Abdulrahman’s sentencing underscores the gravity of drug-related offences and the judicial system’s efforts to uphold the law and deter criminal activities. This incident sheds light on the intersection of immigration policies, criminal justice protocols, and social welfare mechanisms, prompting reflection on the holistic approaches needed to address underlying issues driving such criminal behaviours.
The narrative of Abdulrahman’s involvement in drug distribution unveils the vulnerabilities exploited within communities, urging proactive measures to safeguard marginalized individuals from falling prey to criminal exploitation. As discussions continue on asylum policies, integration initiatives, and support structures for vulnerable populations, Abdulrahman’s case serves as a poignant illustration of the intersecting challenges faced by displaced individuals navigating unfamiliar territories. The court’s decision to hold Abdulrahman accountable for his actions while acknowledging his struggles underscores the nuanced balance between justice, compassion, and societal protection in addressing multifaceted societal issues.