Head of organised crime group jailed for 19 years

Police said Daniel Karim controlled members of the gang through "fear"

The head of an organised crime group that supplied more than £1m worth of class A drugs has been jailed for 19 years and eight months.

Daniel Karim, of Marlow Road in Rotherham, admitted conspiracy to supply cocaine and was jailed at Derby Crown Court on Monday.

The 35-year-old had been under investigation for three years when he was arrested in 2022 and a search of his phone found he played a lead role in the gang.

Karim exerted an "element of control" over members through "fear", and had a number of street dealers and under his influence, according to South Yorkshire Police.

Det Supt Nicola Shimwell said: "We set out to dismantle the group from the top down, ensuring all those involved in the conspiracy to supply drugs faced justice."

She said the street value of the illegal substances supplied by the gang had been estimated at more than £1m.

"If you are involved in the production, supply or dealing of drugs, we will come after you and you will be brought to justice," she added.

A force spokesperson said eight other people had previously been sentenced in connection with the gang, for a total of 55 years.

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