Crack cocaine dealer jailed after driving away from police

A crack cocaine dealer from Stoke-on-Trent that jumped out of a moving car in an attempt to escape police has been jailed.

Hasnain Iqbal, aged 23, of Stoke-on-Trent, was given a three-and-a-half-year sentence at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on Thursday (11 July) after he previously admitted possession with intent to supply crack cocaine, driving a motor vehicle dangerously, failing to stop a vehicle when required by a constable, driving otherwise than in accordance with a license and using a motor vehicle without third party insurance.

He was spotted driving an Audi A4 at dangerous speed in Shelton, Stoke-on-Trent, after seeing an armed response vehicle on 30 March this year.

Iqbal drove through a red light, jumped out the car while it was still moving and tried to run away. Thankfully, the car didn’t collide with anyone.

Officers chased Iqbal on foot and quickly caught up with him, arresting him at the scene. He was carrying a burner phone and 57 wraps of crack cocaine, estimated to be worth up to £1,170.

After being questioned in custody, Iqbal was charged with the offences and sent to court.

Detective Constable Phillips, from our Criminal Investigations Department, said: “Iqbal put people’s lives in danger in his reckless attempts to avoid being caught. I’m pleased he is seeing justice for his actions and no one was hurt.

“Officers across Staffordshire are continuing to carry out these routine traffic stops each and every day as part of our efforts to proactively prevent crime and stop those responsible.”

We’ve worked hard to arrest more than 1,000 suspects of organised crime since we launched our crackdown in May last year.

Staffordshire officers are proactively and relentlessly targeting groups and individuals responsible for high-harm crimes, including county lines drug distribution, illegal firearms activity, modern slavery, and cyber-crime in our county.