Dealer caught with huge drug stash after becoming embroiled in row following crash

A prolific drug dealer was caught by police after becoming embroiled in a row with another driver following a crash. Balraj Maan, 25, was found with a stash of Class A drugs and cash inside his car when he was stopped by officers in Cheetham Hill. Officers pursued his Vauxhall Astra after they spotted it 'acting suspiciously' alongside another vehicle in Overbridge Road, Salford[1], on March 4 of last year.

Try MEN Premium now with our amazing New Year offer... just click here[2] to give it a go. They followed the vehicles as they continued onto Harris Street in Cheetham Hill and then Dewhurst Street, where they came to a stop. Upon speaking to Maan and two men in the other vehicle, officers discovered that an altercation had occurred between them, caused by Maan failing to stop and exchange details following a minor road traffic collision.

After noticing cash inside Maan's vehicle, officers conducted a search. He was arrested at the scene on suspicion of failing to stop. Following a further search, he was further arrested for possession of Class A and Class B drugs.

A black bag containing two bank cards, a student ID, a significant amount of cash, four snap bags of cannabis and two mobile phones was seized from his vehicle.

Forensic testing of a powder found in Maan's car confirmed it to be cocaine. Wraps of suspected Class A drugs, totalling 12 grams, were also discovered. Analysis of a burner phone revealed evidence of numerous drug transactions carried out by Maan, involving hundreds of street deals per week prior to his arrest.

At Manchester Crown Court[3] on Wednesday (January 10), Maan was jailed for seven years. He was sentenced for possession of Class A drugs - namely crack cocaine - with intent to supply and possession of Class B drugs - namely cannabis - with intent to supply in Manchester. Maan, of Wolverhampton Street, Walsall, was also sentenced for offences including possession of a bladed article, possession of a firearm, and possession of Class A drugs - cocaine and heroin - with intent to supply.

Detective Constable Matthew Bowling of GMP's Operation Vulcan Team said: "We are extremely pleased that the courts have given Maan a significant custodial sentence for his actions. I truly hope he now reflects on his criminal lifestyle and is willing to change his ways with support from the prison service and probation. "Be assured Operation Vulcan are watching, waiting and ready to act on drug-dealers like Maan, who bring misery and criminality to the Cheetham Hill[4] area.

Today's sentence makes it crystal clear that criminal behaviour will lead you to one place, and one place only, prison."

If you are concerned about criminal activity in your area or have any information, you can report this to GMP directly by calling 101 or report online at www.gmp.police.uk[5]

Alternatively, you can report information to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

References

1. ^ Salford (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
2. ^ click here (manchester.page.link)
3. ^ Manchester Crown Court (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
4. ^ Cheetham Hill (www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk)
5. ^ www.gmp.police.uk (gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com)