Essex drug dealer jailed for supplying deadly heroin mix killing pair
Ahmed Khelifi had £1,000 worth of the deadly laced heroin which killed two people in Basildon
The 39 year old drug dealer was selling heroin laced with the synthetic opioid etonitazene, making the drug similar or potentially stronger than fentanyl.
Ahmed Khelifi's home in Gower Chase, Basildon, was searched by Essex police. The high toxicity laced heroin was found, along with £1,100 worth of crack cocaine and over £2,300 in cash hidden in a chair cushion.
The same heroin mix found at Khelifi's property, was discovered at the scene of a man and a women who were found dead in Basildon.
The pair who were in their 40's unknowingly took the synthetic opioid.
Appearing at Basildon Crown Court, Ahmed Khelifi was sentenced for 2 years and 4 months after pleading guilty to charges of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs, and two counts of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.
Detective Superintendent Gary Biddle of Essex Police spoke outside the court saying: "Firstly, our thoughts remain with the family and friends of the two people who have lost their lives in tragic circumstances.
"We worked with diligence and at pace to identify a drug line of interest in this investigation, with officers acting decisively not only to disrupt the illicit operation but to ensure others did not come to further harm."