Drugs Plot Leader Profits £3,500 in One Month from Crack Cocaine Sales
The mastermind behind a drug conspiracy revealed details of dealing with half a kilo of cocaine and the intricate process of “washing” and “cooking” the drug to produce crack cocaine. Aquel Ali, 25, known by the alias “Kills,” proudly discussed supplying individuals in London and boasted of earning around £3,500 in just a single month. Last year, Ali was implicated in the distribution of crack cocaine in Newport over a ten-month period.
Accompanied by Mohammed Abbas, also known as “Panda,” Ali caught the attention of authorities when messages linked to a drugs line associated with him were discovered, detailing the supply of crack cocaine. Conversations between Ali and Abbas delved into strategic operations and direct selling to users. Ali had a second phone dedicated to the distribution of crack cocaine, further solidifying his involvement in the illicit trade.
Prosecutor Clare Wilks revealed that Ali and Abbas discussed tactics, including employing a 16-year-old teenager as a drug runner, selling directly to consumers. Their communications hinted at substantial profits, with exchanges indicating earnings of £2,000 in February 2024, and Ali making approximately £3,500 in May of the same year. The discussions extended to the process of converting cocaine into crack cocaine through “cooking” and “washing,” indicating their active role in drug production.
Ali’s involvement escalated as talks revolved around the sale of nine ounces of crack cocaine and later half a kilo of cocaine, placing him in a more elevated position within the drug supply hierarchy. Wilks highlighted that half a kilo of cocaine could carry a street value ranging from £12,000 to £20,000. Through intercepted conversations, it was discerned that individual deals of crack cocaine prepared in February 2024 were valued between £3,500 and £8,000.
On separate occasions, Ali boasted of supplying cocaine to individuals in London, with positive feedback on the product’s quality. In February 2024, Ali and Abbas were intercepted upon their return to Newport from Birmingham. Subsequent searches led to the seizure of Ali’s mobile phone and uncovered further incriminating evidence. Ali’s threats of violence towards non-compliant associates were revealed, demonstrating the ruthlessness of his operation.
In March and April, Ali and Abbas schemed about deploying runners on the streets, while Ali’s second drug line bombarded over 50 customers simultaneously with offers of cocaine. Following a police operation in October 2024 at Abbas’ residence, which yielded crack cocaine, cash, and scales, Ali found himself evading arrest in London. He was eventually apprehended on January 2 this year in possession of drugs and other contraband.
Having admitted to various charges including conspiracy to supply crack cocaine, possession with intent to supply crack cocaine, and possession of cannabis, Ali faced a nine-year and one-month prison sentence. His counterpart, Abbas, received a term of seven years and six months earlier. Reflecting on Ali’s regret and prior caregiving responsibilities, his defence counsel acknowledged his youthful naivety. Judge Carl Harrison ultimately sentenced Ali to serve half his term in custody before being released on licence, marking an end to his illicit drug empire.