A pair of drug dealers from Blackburn have been jailed for a total of more than 12 years.

Saqib Khan, 33, of Audley Range, and Nabeel Chopdat, 30, of Chester Close, were sentenced at Preston Crown Court.

Khan (pictured right) received a sentence of seven years and one month, having previously pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of class A drugs.

Chopdat (pictured left) was sentenced to five years in prison after being found guilty of the same offence following a trial.

Lancashire Telegraph:

The pair came to the attention of officers in August 2017 after being observed carrying out a suspected drugs transaction.

They were stopped and Khan was seen swallowing what were believed to be wraps of drugs.

Both Chopdat and Khan were searched, and although cash and several phones were found in their possession, no drugs were recovered.

In November 2017 the pair were stopped again in another vehicle and Khan was again seen swallowing what were believed to be wraps of drugs.

More phones were seized, though no drugs were found.

An extensive investigation began, involving telephone enquiries and analytical work, and Khan and Chopdat were both summonsed to court at the end of 2018.

Sgt Haydn Sibley, of Lancashire Police, said: “I hope the sentences given to Khan and Chopdat act as a deterrent to others who are involved in similar activity in Blackburn.

“Drugs bring misery to our communities and we will pursue anyone we believe is involved in this type of crime.

“I also hope this brings some comfort to the residents in the Audley Range area of Blackburn, who have had their lives affected by these two.”

Anyone with concerns about drug dealing in their area is urged to contact police on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.