County lines dealer jailed after vulnerable man’s drug death exposes Leeds line

In February 2024, a man in his 30s was found dead in his home in the Beeston area of Leeds.

A coroner later concluded the man’s death had been drug related.

When police analysed the man’s phone it showed he had been involved in supplying drugs through a ‘ring and bring’ phone line operated by others.

It was also revealed he appeared to have been exploited because of his dependency on drugs.

Police launched an investigation that found evidence linking Anas Hussain, 29, from Bradford, to the drugs line.

Hussain was in Leeds city centre in January 2025, along with two other men who remain under investigation.

The 29-year-old was found in possession of the main phone used for the drugs line as well as 25 deals of cocaine, crack cocaine and heroin, along with £800 cash.

Police executed warrants at linked addresses and uncovered evidence of Class A drugs being bagged up into smaller deals.

Hussain was subsequently charged with three counts of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs, in relation to heroin, crack cocaine and cocaine; three counts of possession with intent to supply heroin, crack cocaine and cocaine; and possession of criminal property in relation to the cash found on him.

He pleaded guilty to the offences and was sentenced at Leeds Crown Court last week to a total of 10 years and two months for these and other separate drugs offences in Leeds.

Detective Inspector Helen Chapman, of the force’s county lines taskforce Operation Phoenix, who led the investigation while at Bradford, said: “The investigation which uncovered Hussain’s involvement in operating this drugs line between Bradford and Leeds was prompted by the death of a vulnerable drug user which is something that very clearly illustrates the tragic human consequences of the criminal trade in Class A drugs.

“A detailed and painstaking investigation by specialist Programme Precision detectives built up a clear evidential picture of Hussain’s involvement and resulted in him pleading guilty to the offences at court.

“We hope the significant sentence he has received will provide some reassurance to the community and remind those who seek to profit from the supply of Class A drugs of the serious penalties they face.

“We will be continuing to take a proactive approach to targeting county lines drug dealing as part of the ongoing focus by the force’s dedicated taskforce Operation Phoenix, working closely alongside our Programme Precision and neighbourhood policing teams at our districts.”