York: Suspected Class A drug dealers charged to court

North Yorkshire Police’s Organised Crime Unit is continuing to target suspected Class A drug dealers operating across the Yorkshire and Humber area.

On Wednesday (7 May 2025) this week, their focus was on York when multiple search warrants were executed in the city.

During the searches, officers found significant amounts of drugs suspected to be heroin, MDMA, cannabis and cocaine, along with amounts of cash and evidence of suspected drug supply.  

Three local men were arrested on suspicion of conspiring to supply Class A and Class B drugs.

Mahbub Kamali Rahman, 32, of Osbaldwick, York, and Paul Matson, 62, of Bootham Square, York, were later charged with conspiracy to supply heroin.

They appeared at York Magistrates’ Court today (Friday 9 May 2025) when they were remanded into custody before appearing at York Crown Court on 16 June 2025 at 10.30am. (case number 12NY0572925).

The other 62-year-old man has been released on conditional bail while enquiries continue.

Detective Chief Inspector Fionna McEwan, who leads the Organised Crime Unit, said: “Whilst I am limited in what I can say while the court proceedings and the wider investigation are ongoing, I commend the brilliant work of the Organised Crime Unit who have been expertly supported by a range of specialist teams.

“These include the Op Sentry Serious Organised Crime Disruption Team, the Economic Crime Unit, the Operational Support Unit, Covert Services, the Major Investigation Team, the British Transport Police County Lines Team, Firearms Support Unit, digi dog and drugs dog officers, analysts, intelligence researchers, and the telecoms SPOCs.

“This demonstrates North Yorkshire Police’s capacity and capability to clamp down on organised drug-related crime which causes untold misery in our communities.

“I also thank residents for their continued support in reporting information about suspicious activity to North Yorkshire Police or anonymously to Crimestoppers.

“I can give assurance that every piece of information and intelligence that is shared with us is carefully assessed and often helps us to take direct action against suspected criminals.”

Reporting information about drug-related crime

Anyone with any information about suspected drug-related crime are urged to make a report via the North Yorkshire Police website or by calling 101 and speaking to the Force Control Room.

Always dial 999 if an emergency response is required.

If you would prefer to remain anonymous, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or make a report online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

The signs of drug dealing can include

• Increased callers at a property at all times of the day or night
• Increase in cars pulling up for short periods of time
• Different accents at a property
• Anti-social behaviour at a property
• Not seeing the resident for long periods of time
• Drug-related rubbish – small plastic bags, syringes
• Windows covered or curtains closed for long periods

Get professional support for drug and alcohol related issues

• Drink Drug Hub website drinkdrughub.co.uk
• North Yorkshire Rise– young people's specialist drug and alcohol service- freephone 08000 14 14 80 (option 2) – humankindcharity.org.uk/service/nyrise/
• North Yorkshire Horizons- adult specialist drug and alcohol service - freephone 08000 14 14 80 – nyhorizons.org.uk/
• City of York Drug and Alcohol Service– https://www.changegrowlive.org/york/info
• NHS– https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/addiction-support/drug-addiction-getting-help/
• FRANK helpline and information - https://www.talktofrank.com/