A dealer has been sentenced to prison for exploiting a 14-year-old boy into selling drugs on his behalf. The court heard that the boy's mother was distraught upon learning of her son's involvement. The minor was subsequently referred to the Home Office National Referral Mechanism, a system designed to support victims of modern slavery. It was determined that the boy had been a victim of exploitation.
Police apprehended the dealer, identified as Siddiqi, in Glasgow's Castlemilk area on September 19. During the encounter, officers observed him clutching two phones and appearing nervous. Siddiqi attempted to flee from the officers but was apprehended. A struggle ensued, during which one constable sustained significant injuries, including damage to shoulder ligaments.
Officers seized nearly £3,000 worth of heroin that had fallen from Siddiqi's jacket during the confrontation. Siddiqi himself reportedly complained that he had also been exploited. In court, he admitted to charges of being concerned in the supply of heroin and cocaine, as well as aggravated assault against the police officer. Prosecutors accepted a not guilty plea to charges of preying on another teenage boy for drug sales.
Siddiqi's defense stated that he came from a good background and that others had also been pressuring him. This case is believed to be among the first to involve a child being exploited to deal class A drugs for financial gain.