Zulfiqar Shah Receives 16-Year Sentence for Heroin, Ketamine Supply in Bradford
A drug dealer, Zulfiqar Shah, 58, has been incarcerated for over 16 years after authorities uncovered more than £1.6 million in cash, predominantly concealed within a Bradford residence. Shah, who has no fixed address, previously admitted guilt to charges of conspiracy to supply heroin, conspiracy to supply ketamine, and conspiracy to possess criminal property.
West Yorkshire Police initially raided a property on Rhylstone Mount on 7 August, recovering 2.5kg of heroin, 18.8kg of adulterant – a substance frequently used to cut drugs – and a quantity of ketamine. Alongside these illicit substances, officers seized £230,000 in cash. Shah was subsequently charged and remanded into custody.
Acting on further intelligence, police returned to the Bradford address on 14 October. During this follow-up operation, hidden compartments within two bedroom wardrobes were discovered, containing approximately £1.4 million. The total sum recovered during the investigation amounted to £1,625,693.82, which will be subject to a confiscation hearing under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.
Detective Inspector Chris Rukin, who led the operation, characterised Shah as "someone heavily involved in the supply of Class A drugs." He added, "The huge amount of money he was found with clearly illustrates the scale of his involvement." The recovered funds are earmarked for distribution to operational agencies, including West Yorkshire Police, and local neighbourhoods via the Mayor's Safer Communities Fund.
