Badar Ali, a 25-year-old from Grainger Park, Newcastle, was handed a suspended prison sentence after police discovered cocaine and ketamine during a raid on his family home. The raid occurred on April 10, 2024, at the property where Ali lived with his parents, older brother, and teenage sister.
Details of the Raid
Officers executing a warrant seized 50 grams of cocaine and 17 grams of ketamine, with a combined street value of approximately £2,340. Additionally, they recovered £960 in cash, two sets of scales, and three mobile phones. The court heard that Ali, then 23, was a cocaine user who had accrued debt with a supplier and agreed to assist in drug supply to repay the debt.
Court Proceedings
At Newcastle Crown Court, Ali pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply class A drugs (cocaine) and possession with intent to supply class B drugs (ketamine). He also had a prior conviction for drug driving from September 15, 2023.
Recorder Richard Herrmann acknowledged the traumatic impact of the raid on Ali's family, stating: "It, in fact, was your family home where you lived with your parents and your older brother and your young teenage sister. That must have been an extremely traumatic and upsetting event for all of them." He noted Ali's remorse and good character, saying: "I'm satisfied by the comments in the pre-sentence report that you're genuinely remorseful for your actions. You're a young man of good character and good opportunities ahead of you."
Sentence
Recorder Herrmann imposed a 16-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, emphasizing Ali's potential for rehabilitation. Ali was also ordered to complete 12 rehabilitation activity requirement days and pay a £600 fine.
