OPERATION PUT CROOKS IN JAIL FOR 60 YEARS

A MASSIVE crackdown on drug dealers and burglars in Calderdale has
seen more than six decades' worth of prison sentences slapped on criminals.

Operation Irondale led to dozens of home raids across the district and
scores of arrests.

It is thought the jail sentences given to people arrested during the
operation amount to around 68 years.

While sentencing the most recent trio to be handed jail sentences,
Judge John Potter said he had no hesitation in commending the work of
officers involved in helping bring the men to justice.

"I appreciate that it takes significant courage for officers to work
undercover over a significant period of time in situations in which
the anticipation of likely personal danger is quite clear and I have
no difficulty in firstly recognising that and secondly making the
commendation orders requested," he said.

He handed commendations to several members of Calderdale Police's
Proceeds of Crime Act Team - Detective Sergeant Bill Hargreaves,
Detective Constable Tony Chapman and financial investigator Nigel Crowther.

Seven officers from West Yorkshire's crime division were also
commended.

Detective Chief Inspector Terry Long, from Calderdale Police, said:
"The most recent court appearances will bring to a close all
prosecutions for those defendants who have been arrested and charged
with drug offences related to Operation Irondale.

"The operation has been an enormous success and brought to justice
numerous individuals who have been pedalling misery among communities
within Calderdale.

"The drive to take drugs off the streets by police has undoubtedly had
an impact on levels of crime within Calderdale as there are currently
1,000 fewer recorded offences of this nature this year.

"The police will not be complacent and we recognise that we can learn
from Operation Irondale and continue to target those individuals who
continue to be involved with the supply of controlled drugs and
causing harm to the public.

"The recognition for the named officers gives me great pleasure and
reflects the painstaking efforts they have undertaken over the past 18
months in some extremely trying circumstances."

Judge Potter was the presiding judge for the majority of cases arising
from Operation Irondale.

As reported in the Courier, the latest case saw him sentencing
Mohammed Khumran Taj, 29, of Pear Street, Halifax, to nine years in
jail for more than 20 charges relating to the supply of heroin and
crack cocaine, possession of the drugs with intent to supply and
acquiring criminal property.

Mohammed Khumran Taj had appeared alongside his brother, Sohail Taj,
21, of Lister Lane, Halifax, who admitted being concerned in the
supply of drugs and two unrelated offences of dangerous driving. He
was jailed for a total of four-and-a-half years and banned from
driving for two years.

Also sentenced was their cousin, 28-year-old Mohammed Riaz, of
Gibraltar Road in Halifax, who was found guilty after a trial of being
concerned in dugs supply.

His nine-month term was suspended for two years and he will have to do
250 hours' unpaid work and abide by a might-time home curfew.