Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Wednesday 19th March 2025, at 11:00hrs
Umar Farooq, a 28-year-old drug dealer from Blackburn, has been sentenced to four years and six months in prison after his latest run-in with the law, marking his fourth conviction for drug-related offences.
Farooq, of Harcourt Road, Blackburn, appeared at Preston Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply heroin and crack cocaine, dangerous driving, and driving without a licence or insurance.
The East Targeted Crime Team, who have apprehended Farooq on three previous occasions, arrested him on September 24, 2024, after witnessing him conducting drug deals from his white BMW in various locations across Blackburn.
When officers attempted to stop him, Farooq engaged in a dangerous high-speed chase, driving recklessly and even travelling the wrong way down a one-way street.
The pursuit ended when Farooq collided with a stationary vehicle on Darwen Street, Blackburn.
Undeterred, Farooq attempted to flee on foot, discarding a man bag containing £280 worth of crack cocaine and heroin, along with a mobile phone. However, his escape was short-lived, and he was quickly apprehended by officers.
This latest conviction marks Farooq’s fourth drug-related offence, having previously been arrested and convicted by the same East Targeted Crime Team in 2018 and 2020.
“Umar Farooq has repeatedly shown a blatant disregard for the law and the safety of our community,” stated a spokesperson for the East Targeted Crime Team.
“His actions on September 24th were incredibly dangerous and could have resulted in serious injury. We welcome the sentence handed down by the court and hope that Mr. Farooq uses his time in prison to reflect on his choices.
We strongly suggest he considers a career change.”
Farooq was remanded in custody following his arrest and will now serve his four-and-a-half-year sentence.
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