Former shopkeeper turned drug kingpin, Islaam Bashir, escaped jail time after police discovered a £250,000 cannabis stash in his Audi. The 34-year-old was caught with the drugs loaded into suitcases during a police stop on the M6 between Kendal and Sedbergh. Bashir, along with his passenger Andrew McQuade, received a 21-month suspended sentence at Carlisle Crown Court, along with 250 hours of unpaid work and three months of evening curfews. When the police stopped the vehicle, both men appeared nervous, with Bashir claiming he was heading to Glasgow to meet a ‘fence.’ The Audi was found to contain 25kg of cannabis with a street value of £250,000.
Bashir and McQuade pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis with intent to supply. Despite no previous drug convictions, Bashir had past convictions for unlawful sexual intercourse and perverting the course of justice, while McQuade had previous convictions for driving offenses, assault, and public order. Bashir’s lawyer cited personal difficulties leading to his involvement in the crime, including job loss, debt, and marital problems. The court noted Bashir’s extensive business dealings, including property deals involving significant sums of money.
The court also learned about Bashir’s involvement in various businesses, including the purchase of properties, such as a former Glasgow Housing Association building. Bashir was a director in several companies that engaged in property transactions before his arrest. His resignation from these companies coincided with his legal troubles. McQuade also received a suspended sentence and was mentioned to have education prospects for rehabilitation. The judge took into account their time served in custody since the arrest, considering it a substantial period of confinement.
The case sheds light on Bashir’s illicit activities alongside his legitimate business ventures, raising questions about his financial dealings and the source of his wealth. Given the significant drug haul and their involvement in the crime, the lenient sentence has prompted scrutiny of the legal system’s handling of drug-related offenses. Despite the criminal conviction, Bashir’s intricate business dealings and financial activities are under increased scrutiny following his court case. It remains to be seen how this revelation will impact his future business ventures and reputation in the community.