The leader of an organised crime group (OCG) in South Yorkshire has been jailed for almost 20 years after a four-year investigation uncovered his role in supplying Class A drugs worth more than £1 million.
Daniel Karim, 34, of Wincobank Close, admitted two counts of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs, including offences linked to an East Midlands Special Operations Unit investigation. He was sentenced to 19 years and eight months at Derby Crown Court on Monday, 29 September.
Karim was identified as the head of a network that distributed large quantities of drugs across Rotherham and Sheffield. Police said he maintained control of the group through fear, directing street dealers and individuals preparing drugs for sale.
The investigation, launched in 2019 by the Rotherham Fortify team and supported by officers across South Yorkshire, used both covert and traditional tactics. In February 2022, intelligence-led warrants and vehicle stops led to Karim’s arrest. Analysis of seized phones provided evidence of the scale of drug supply and confirmed his leadership role.
Detective Superintendent Nicola Shimwell, who led the operation, said: “Karim and his associates were a group of criminals who profited from funnelling harmful drugs onto the streets of South Yorkshire. Expert analysis has estimated that the street value of the illegal substances supplied by the drug lines operated by the OCG as over £1 million.
From the beginning of this investigation, using the initial work by our neighbourhoods and investigations teams in Rotherham, we set out to dismantle the group from the top down, ensuring all those involved in the conspiracy to supply drugs faced justice.”
Eight other members of Karim’s group have already been sentenced, bringing the total prison terms handed down to the OCG to more than 55 years.
Det Supt Shimwell added: “Our dedicated teams work diligently every day gathering intelligence on the supply of drugs in South Yorkshire. If you are involved in the production, supply or dealing of drugs, we will come after you and you will be brought to justice.”
