Drug trafficker jailed after undercover sting

A DRUG trafficker from West Lothian who was caught by an undercover police operation has been jailed for nine years.

Adnan Ul-Haq was targeted by officers looking to stamp out class A drugs in the area, and had already served time for drugs offences.

The 31-year-old, who worked in his family’s Costcutter store in Blackburn, returned to dealing drugs last year, and was caught as part of an initiative which seized £200,000 worth of cocaine.

His solicitor told the High Court in Edinburgh today that he “very stupidly” became involved in the scene again, and knew he was facing a lengthy time behind bars, while judge Michael O’Grady QC said he would not lecture him “on the evils of drugs” as they were already well known to him.

Police recovered two consignments of the drug worth more than £140,000 being delivered by couriers linked to Ul-Haq.

The court heard that during the course of a police operation, codenamed Operation Congress, officers received intelligence over his involvement in cocaine supply.

A specialist surveillance team was deployed to monitor Ul-Haq, of Fulmar Brae, Livingston, and his associates between June and September.

The prosecutor said: “From surveillance and intelligence over the period it became apparent that cocaine was being sourced from the Manchester area on behalf of Ul-Haq.

“He liaised either in person or by phone with those in that area who were able to supply cocaine.

“Individuals under the control of Ul-Haq would uplift cocaine from Manchester and transport it to West Lothian. This cocaine could be of a high purity, capable of further adulteration, if so wished, for the purposes of onward supply.”