Derbyshire Police have confirmed that rapper 50 Cent once offered to pay bail money for a drug dealer with links to the Midlands. Curtis James Jackson III, known professionally as 50 Cent, wrote a letter stating he would cover bail for Abrirahiim Hassan so that Hassan could join his entourage on a European tour.
Gang Conviction and Jailing
Hassan, also known as Samir Hassan, was convicted of conspiracy to supply cocaine as part of a Derby-based gang. On July 10, 2026, he was sentenced to 18-and-a-half years in prison for his role as a link man between London and the Derby gang. The 37-year-old was one of several gang members jailed for their involvement in a large-scale drug operation.
Prosecutor Jonathan Cox told Derby Crown Court: "This case involved group enterprises which were heavily involved in the supply of very large quantities of class A drugs, into and undoubtedly throughout Derbyshire. The scale and reach of the overall enterprises was vast."
Scale of Drug Operation
Detectives seized kilograms of drugs and thousands of pounds in cash during raids in Derby throughout 2024 and 2025. However, the gang "barely broke stride" and continued their illegal trade. Mr Cox detailed seizures: "In Chaddesden on April 11, 2024, two kilograms was seized... on July 12, 2024, one kilogram seized... In Sinfin on May 8, 2024, 10 kilograms was seized."
He added: "In July 2024, there was a collection of 739kg of cocaine. The cocaine had just been landed near Southampton, collected from the channel in an inflatable boat."
Lifestyles of Gang Members
The court heard about the lavish lifestyles funded by drug profits. Mr Cox said: "In terms of pure profit, the two most senior figures accrued clothing worth nearly £100,000." One gang member, Jordan Hudson, filmed videos of large cash piles: an estimated £75,000 in a drawer and £120,000 on a bed.
Hassan had provided a reference from 50 Cent and described a "jet-setting, entourage type" lifestyle, having worked for the A-list musician.
Sentencing Remarks
Judge Jonathan Straw stated: "These were two large-scale drug operations in Derby... each involved the purchase of numerous multi-kilo consignments of cocaine from high-level national distributors. This was offending borne out of a lifestyle choice and not desperation. There was nothing glamorous or Netflix involved."
Sentences for other gang members included: Dominic Hulland (16.5 years), Aaron O’Donnell (14 years 8 months), Harninder Purewal (20 years), Tony Lewis (11 years), Max Bowler (13.5 years), Alan Hulland (9 years), Lucas Sankey (8.5 years), Valentino Talic (8 years), and Nicholas Cleary (7.5 years). Kyle Steadman, Jordan Hudson, and Josh Keyland are due to be sentenced next week.
