Two Iraqi asylum seekers found in possession of over 7kg of cannabis, valued at up to £75,000, were arrested after police raided a property in Cardiff. Karwan Muhammad, aged 30, and Ahmad Arshad, aged 25, were discovered with the drugs, with Muhammad also linked to the supply of class A narcotics. The incident unfolded on August 20 last year when police entered a property on Claude Road. The court heard that Muhammad was seen leaving a room upstairs while Arshad was found in a bedroom within the residence. The officers uncovered a significant amount of cannabis, including both female flowering heads and resin, with a total of 7.7kg of the drug found in wholesale and smaller street-sellable quantities.
Prosecutor Jeffrey Jones detailed that the estimated street value of the seized cannabis ranged between £49,740 and £75,840. Additionally, two scales and £555 in cash were confiscated from the property, both of which bore the fingerprints of the defendants. Furthermore, messages related to drug supply were discovered on their phones, indicating their involvement in drug trafficking activities. Arshad and Muhammad pleaded guilty to charges of being concerned in the supply and possession with intent to supply cannabis. Muhammad also confessed to involvement in the supply of cocaine, ketamine, LSD, and conspiracy to distribute MDMA.
During the mitigation stage, the court was informed that both defendants were unsuccessful asylum seekers from Mosul, Iraq, without the means to access employment or benefits in the UK. They were portrayed as having limited influence in the drug distribution hierarchy, receiving minimal rewards such as food, cannabis, and cash for their involvement, and residing in a tent within the property’s garden. Consequently, Judge Vanessa Francis sentenced Muhammad to three years and four months of imprisonment, whereas Arshad received a sentence of 18 weeks in jail. The case sheds light on the challenges faced by asylum seekers in vulnerable positions, often exploited for criminal activities due to their precarious circumstances.
The story highlights the broader issue of vulnerable individuals being exploited in drug-related crimes, reflecting a concerning trend within the criminal justice system. Asylum seekers, facing legal and social hurdles in a new country, can become easy targets for exploitation and manipulation by criminal networks. The case of Muhammad and Arshad underscores the need for enhanced support systems and safeguards for individuals navigating the complexities of seeking asylum amid vulnerabilities that could be exploited for illicit activities.
The sentencing reflects the severity of drug-related offences and the impact on individuals involved in such crimes, irrespective of their background or circumstances. By delivering appropriate consequences for criminal behaviour, the justice system aims to deter others from engaging in similar activities and uphold the rule of law. The case serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in combating drug trafficking and the importance of addressing the root causes that drive individuals into criminal networks. It also emphasises the significance of providing comprehensive support for vulnerable populations, including asylum seekers, to prevent their exploitation and involvement in illegal activities.
Overall, the case of the asylum seekers found with cannabis in Cardiff underscores the multifaceted issues surrounding drug-related crimes, asylum seekers’ vulnerabilities, and the criminal justice system’s response to such offenses. As the legal proceedings conclude, the focus shifts towards addressing systemic flaws, enhancing support mechanisms, and fostering a more inclusive and protective environment for all individuals, particularly those in precarious situations seeking refuge and assistance.