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Rotherham trio wanted for crystal meth conviction

Latest news in Yorkshire: August 10, 2017 09:20:04 AM

PLEASE DON’T HESITATE TO REPORT THESE MEN TO THE POLICE

Three men have been sentenced to a total of 27-years in prison, despite their failure to appear at court, after they were found guilty of setting up a ‘crystal meth’ drug lab in the bathroom of a rented house in Rotherham.

The men, who are now wanted by South Yorkshire Police, denied the charges against them, however they were all convicted today (Wednesday 9 August) following a two-week trial at Sheffield Crown Court.

Mohammed Chernarli (middle), 31, of Mary Hill Road, Glasgow and Mehdi Esmacpoor (right), 38, of Farm Drive, Rawmarsh, were both convicted for conspiracy to produce the class A drug methyl amphetamine and sentenced to ten years in prison each.

Nehdi Tajabidi (left), 32, of Broom Valley Road, Rotherham, was convicted for production of the class A drug methyl amphetamine and was sentenced to seven years in prison.

Detective Sergeant Anna Sedgwick, who led the investigation, said: “These individuals set up and ran a significant enterprise from the property on Broom Valley Road and today’s outcome reflects the gravity of the criminality.

“Not only were they committing serious crime, they were putting the lives of innocent people, living close to the property at risk because of the dangerous nature of the chemical processes involved.

“These three men are now wanted and we will actively pursue them to ensure they serve their sentences behind bars for their crimes.

“Today’s great result is thanks to a lengthy police investigation with officers from across a number of departments working together as well as with our partners in the fire and health service, and I want to thank everyone who has worked so hard to secure this conviction.”

Enquiries into the actions of the three defendants began in 2015. Evidence showed the men had travelled around the country to purchase large quantities of chemicals and other equipment and return to the property on Broom Valley Road.

Esmacpoor and Chernarli were arrested on 23 May 2016, on suspicion of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs. The following day, a warrant was carried out at the address where Tajabidi was arrested on suspicion of production of class A drugs.

A search of the address found numerous chemical containers and equipment including, face masks, plastic drums, filters, mixing utensils and sieves as well as paperwork with estimated monetary values and handwritten lists.

A forensic scientist confirmed that the set up was designed to extract methyl amphetamine from bulk material and there was evidence of the drug having being processed at the site.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Wilson, drugs lead for South Yorkshire Police, added: “This is the first case of ‘meth’ production in South Yorkshire and in this case, as it was an ongoing process, it is difficult to put a price on the quantities involved.

“It’s important that people realise that ‘meth’ is an extremely dangerous drug for both the users and wider community because of the hazards linked with its production.

“It is harmful because of its highly-addictive nature and side effects including toxic effects to the brain, damage to the lungs and teeth as well as other broader health issues.

“I hope today’s sentence sends a clear message that any form of drugs-related criminality will not be tolerated.”

Any sightings of these men, ‘don’t call Saul, better call us’ on 101, or in an emergency please call 999.

Pictured right, the set up at the property.

Yorkshire Photography