Jailed, the addict who lost everything

AN addiction to hard drugs over 25 years cost an Oldham man his home, his wife and his young son, a court heard yesterday.

Mohammed Afzal’s habit has also now cost him his freedom. Afzal was jailed for three and a half years after being convicted of serious drug offences.

Caroline Patrick, defending, said he had been a drug user for more than 25 years and it had been a way of life for him.

“His addiction cost him his home, his wife, and his 13-year old son. whom he no longer sees,” she added.

She told the court that while on remand he had received treatment and taken courses to help him kick his habit: “For the first time in many years he is now drug free.” she said.

Afzal (50) of Devon Street, Oldham, was told he could have faced up to 14 years after being found guilty of possession of heroin with intent to supply on separate occasions two months apart.

Manchester Crown Court was told he began taking heroin and other drugs after socialising with other users on the streets after coming to the UK in the early 1980s. Though he had a previous record including drug offences, he had never been jailed.

Police went his home in July 2013 and seized scales, other processing equipment and 10 wraps of heroin.

In September they returned and seized four wraps of heroin, £220 in cash and a mobile phone which had messages to customers about prices.

Afzal was found guilty of two offences of heroin possession with intent to supply, and two offences of possession of diazepam, also with intent to supply. He had pleaded guilty to two further charges of possession of cannabis.