Drug-dealing taxi driver is banned

A DRUG dealer has been banned from driving taxis after being convicted of trying to conceal his offences.

Oldham Council’s Licensing Panel has revoked the licence of cabbie Mohammed Shafiq after he was convicted of possessing Class A drugs with intent to supply.

The 28-year-old, of Jane Street, Chadderton, was convicted on February 7 at Oldham Magistrates’ Court of supplying cocaine at clubs in Oldham.

His case was referred to Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court, and on April 1 he was sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for two years, and ordered to do 80 hours’ community service. The drugs were also confiscated.

However, only weeks later, on June 5, Shafiq failed to notify the licensing department of his conviction when renewing his taxi driver’s licence.

He was prosecuted for submitting a false application and was fined £660 by Oldham Magistrates on August 26.

Councillor Jim McArdle, chairman of the Licensing Committee, said: “Drug dealing is a very serious matter and the committee felt he should have his licence revoked.

“Drivers need to be aware that our licensing officers are in regular contact with the police and, where drivers attempt to hide offences, they will be found out and prosecuted.”

Shafiq has 21 days in which to appeal the revocation of his licence. However, given the seriousness of the offences, the licensing panel used new powers to order that the licence be immediately revoked in advance of any appeal.

The council has also notified the Security Industry Authority, which regulates door supervisors at Oldham’s clubs, of the action so they can take appropriate action in relation to Shafiq holding a door supervisor’s licence.