Successful Prosecution in Drugs Conspiracy, involving the largest ever Cash Seizure by West Yorkshire Police

Jane Brady advised the Crown Prosecution Service from PTPH. Tayo Dasaolu prosecuted at trial.

SHAH and LERICHE were charged with possession of controlled drugs with intent to supply and possession of criminal property, being significant sums of cash found at their home in Bradford.

Evidence then came to light of a Conspiracy involving a third person and others (unknown), through intercepted telephone calls made by SHAH from prison.  A third individual was identified, thanks to expeditious work by a police team headed up by DC Mel Baker and assisted by DC Dean Smith; this involved painstaking reviews of the internal CCTV seized at the defendants’ address and investigation into the third suspect’s movements, vehicle and mobile phone activity.

Jane’s advice was pivotal in Charging the defendants with offences of Conspiracy.

A total of over £1.6 million in cash was seized from the defendants’ home, together with significant quantities of class A and class B drugs.  A substantial proportion of the cash had been hidden in purpose-built false wardrobe floors and walls. Adulterants and other drugs paraphernalia were also found.

SHAH entered guilty pleas to 3 Conspiracies on day 3 of trial. His long-term partner and second defendant, LERICHE, had been solely named on the house’s tenancy agreement for over 2 decades. She also pleaded guilty to Permitting her Premises to be used for the Supply of Controlled Drugs. The third suspect remains at large.

SHAH will be sentenced in May 2026.

DC Mel Baker (OIC):

‘Thank you so much. It’s been an absolute pleasure working with you. Thank you for all you’ve done and for passing to Tayo; she was brilliant! Great result! Hope our paths cross again’.

DC Dean Smith:

‘Thank you so much Jane and thank you for your time, patience and energy throughout all of this. The fact is this result today wouldn’t have been possible without your tenacity and determination.