Drug dealer who owned vape shop and supercar business jailed with accomplice for 14 years
A drug dealer who owned a vape shop and supercar business as a cover has been jailed alongside an accomplice for a total of nearly 14 years.
Chichester-based Behrad Mohammadi, 31, and Kyle O’Brien, 22, were key figures in a Class A drug supply operation in West Sussex.
Phone evidence showed how they were offering bulk supplies, and officers carried out joint warrants at their addresses as part of Operation Tripod.
During the warrants, completed in October last year, more an a kilogram of cocaine and kilogram of cannabis were found in O’Brien’s address, as well as thousands of nitrous oxide cylinders.
Both men were charged with offences, and at Portsmouth Crown Court Mohammadi and O’Brien appeared for sentencing. The court was told how Mohammadi, of Prior Place, Chichester, was listed as a director for three businesses in the Chichester area including a vape shop and a supercar business, but showed large sums of cash flowing through his personal accounts.
His phone showed bulk offering and supplying of cannabis and cocaine. Mohammadi admitted conspiracy to supply class A and class B drugs, and possession of cannabis, and was jailed for nine years and nine months.
O’Brien, of Batchmere Road, Chichester, supported Mohammadi’s operation, and was found in possession of cocaine, cannabis and nitrous oxide at his home address in quantities worth tens of thousands of pounds at street value.
He admitted conspiracy to supply class A and B drugs, possessing class C drugs with intent to supply, and possession of ketamine. He was jailed for four years. Two other men charged in connection with the investigation face sentence later this year.
Speaking after the case Detective Superintendent Colin Garman said: “This was a significant group supplying cocaine and cannabis which cause so much harm in our communities in West Sussex.
“Our officers work all year round to disrupt the supply of drugs and to relentlessly target offenders who prey on vulnerable children and adults.
“These convictions as part of Operation Tripod demonstrate our determination to catch organised groups and bring them to justice.”