A Birmingham man who boarded a train without a ticket was discovered to be involved in drug dealing, a court has heard. Mohammed Ammar, 22, of Walnut Mews, Weoley Castle, was stopped by rail staff at Selly Oak station on April 1 last year, and when he refused to provide his details, police were called.
Upon arrival, officers detected a strong smell of cannabis and subsequently found 16 grams of the drug on Ammar, along with £16.13 in cash and two mobile phones. A further search of his home address uncovered an additional 51 grams of cannabis, empty dealer bags, digital scales, and a cannabis grinder.
Police Investigation and Court Proceedings
The discovery was made after Ammar was reported for travelling without a valid ticket. When police searched his mobile phones, they found messages indicating discussions about the potential availability of drugs, suggesting an active role in supply.
Appearing at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, August 4, Ammar pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of a class B drug between January and April last year. The prosecution, led by Ms Begum, detailed the events leading to his arrest.
Ms Begum said: "On April 1 last year police were called to Selly Oak rail station. The defendant had travelled without a valid ticket and refused to provide details. Officers found a strong smell of cannabis and he admitted he had smoked two hours ago. They found 16g of cannabis and £16.13 in cash, as well as two mobile phones. A further 51g, empty packets, a digital scales and a cannabis grinder were found in a further search of the address. Mobile phone messages showed discussions of potential availability."
Defence and Sentencing
The court heard that Ammar played a "significant role" in the dealing operation, and it was noted that he had one previous conviction for a single offence. In mitigation, Mr Winstance argued that the primary motivation behind the offending was to fund his own drug habit.
Mr Winstance said: "This is a man who primarily, not entirely, was dealing to fund his own habit. I accept that it goes beyond that and I accept the categorisation my friend put upon it. You will want a report, you are looking at a convicted young man. He has never been to jail."
At the time of the offence, Ammar was subject to a court order, which added to the seriousness of the case. The sentencing was adjourned to allow for the preparation of a pre-sentence report, which will assist the judge in determining the appropriate penalty.
Community Impact and Next Steps
This case highlights the ongoing issue of drug-related crime in Birmingham, particularly involving young people. The presence of dealing paraphernalia and the volume of cannabis found indicate a level of organisation beyond mere personal use.
The court will reconvene at a later date to pass sentence, taking into account the pre-sentence report and the mitigating factors presented by the defence. Ammar was released on bail pending the sentencing hearing.
