Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Smethwick brothers who run 24-hour drugs network jailed

The siblings showed off their ill-gotten wealth by posting photos of designer watches, luxury cars and bundles of cash.

Smethwick brothers who run 24-hour drugs network jailed

Two brothers from Smethwick who ran a 24-hour County Lines drugs network in Stoke-on-Trent have been jailed.

Mohammed Awais Khan and Mohammed Luqman Khan showed off their ill-gotten wealth by posting photos of designer watches, luxury cars and bundles of cash.

Awais, 27, who called himself 'Snowman 24' for his ability to supply cocaine round the clock will undergo imprisonment for 11 years and six months and Luqman will be behind bars for seven years and two months.

They ran the drugs racket from their homes - meeting users outside shops and pubs and dropping to home addresses.

But their enterprise collapsed after County Lines Taskforce detectives caught wind of their illegal activity. They arrested Awais from his home in St Pauls Road, Smethwick, on January 27 this year. This was followed by the arrest of Luqman, 24.

The defendants’ mobile phones and communications data evidence revealed the extent of their criminal network.

Wolverhampton Crown Court heard how the siblings had sent bulk messages to drug users and how much money they had been making. Their phones seized during the investigation contained pictures of large bundles of cash, expensive watches and high-end vehicles.

The duo pleaded guilty to supplying the Class-A drug, leading up to their conviction and sentencing.

Detective Superintendent Syed Hussain, who is the West Midlands Police lead for County Lines, said drug dealers like the Khan siblings would ruin the lives of vulnerable people.

He said County Lines Taskforce officers - a team of investigators who identify and target drug lines - worked hard to stop them and bring them to justice.

He said County Lines gangs should “know they are in our sights” as the officers round the clock to bust their networks.

“Communities are left destroyed by County Lines”, he said after the sentencing and added, “we are determined to stop people like the Khan brothers from profiting from the misery of others.”

More For You

King Charles & Modi

King Charles III (L) poses with India's prime minister Narendra Modi (R) during an audience at the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk on July 24, 2025.

AARON CHOWN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

King Charles marks Modi’s 75th birthday with Kadamb tree gift

KING CHARLES III has sent a Kadamb tree as a gift to Indian prime minister Narendra Modi on his 75th birthday on Wednesday (17).

The British High Commission in New Delhi announced the gesture in a social media post, noting that it was inspired by Modi’s “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” (One tree in the name of mother) environmental initiative. The sapling, it said, symbolises the shared commitment of the two leaders to environmental protection.

Keep ReadingShow less
Trump hails 'unbreakable' US-UK bond in Windsor Castle speech

US resident Donald Trump and King Charles interact at the state banquet for the US president and First Lady Melania Trump at Windsor Castle, Berkshire, on day one of their second state visit to the UK, Wednesday September 17, 2025. Yui Mok/Pool via REUTERS

Trump hails 'unbreakable' US-UK bond in Windsor Castle speech

US PRESIDENT Donald Trump on Wednesday (17) hailed the special relationship between his country and Britain as he paid a gushing tribute to King Charles during his historic second state visit, calling it one of the highest honours of his life.

It was a day of unprecedented pomp for a foreign leader. Trump and his wife Melania were treated to the full array of British pageantry. Then, the president sang the praises of his nation's close ally.

Keep ReadingShow less
Police officers

Police officers stand guard between an anti fascist group and Tommy Robinson supporters during an anti-immigration rally organised by British anti-immigration activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, also known as Tommy Robinson, in London, Britain, September 13, 2025.

REUTERS/Jaimi Joy

UK defends France migrant returns deal after court blocks first removal

THE British government has defended its new migrant returns deal with France after a High Court ruling temporarily blocked the deportation of an Eritrean asylum seeker, marking an early legal setback to the scheme.

The 25-year-old man, who arrived in Britain on a small boat from France on August 12, was due to be placed on an Air France flight from Heathrow to Paris on Wednesday (17) morning. But on Tuesday (16), Judge Clive Sheldon granted an interim injunction, saying there was a “serious issue to be tried” over his claim to be a victim of trafficking.

Keep ReadingShow less
Asian surgeon sentenced to six years for sexual assault

Dr Amal Bose. (Photo: Lancashire Police)

Asian surgeon sentenced to six years for sexual assault

AN ASIAN senior heart surgeon, who abused his position to sexually assault female members of staff, has been jailed for six years.

Dr Amal Bose, from Lancaster, was convicted of 12 counts of sexual assault against five colleagues at Blackpool Victoria Hospital between 2017 and 2022. He was cleared of two other charges.

Keep ReadingShow less
Modi & Trump

Donald Trump and Narendra Modi shake hands as they attend a joint press conference at the White House on February 13, 2025.

Reuters

Trump greets Modi on 75th birthday, trade talks continue in Delhi

Highlights:

  • Both leaders reaffirm commitment to India-US partnership
  • Trade talks resume in New Delhi amid tariff tensions
  • India defends purchase of discounted Russian oil

US PRESIDENT Donald Trump on Tuesday called Indian prime minister Narendra Modi and greeted him ahead of his 75th birthday. The phone call sparked hopes of a reset in India-US ties, which had been under strain after Washington doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50 per cent.

Keep ReadingShow less