A prominent Perthshire businessman, Suhail Akhtar, has faced significant financial repercussions following his involvement in a large-scale cannabis supply operation stretching across Tayside. The 45-year-old has been legally compelled to repay a sum exceeding £52,000, representing ill-gotten gains from his illicit activities.
Akhtar’s clandestine enterprise came to light through the vigilance of Border Force officials, who intercepted a consignment of cannabis destined for his Perth residence. This discovery initiated an investigation that ultimately exposed a sophisticated commercial-level drug dealing network operating from his home in the heart of Perth and a separate unit located at Bowbridge Works on Thistle Street in Dundee.
The police inquiry revealed that Akhtar had been actively involved in the supply of Class B cannabis over an extended period, specifically between July 1, 2020, and March 23, 2021. When confronted by law enforcement, Akhtar reportedly attempted to downplay the scale of his operation, claiming that the vast majority of the imported narcotics were intended solely for his personal consumption. He further asserted that a significant portion of the cash discovered during searches originated from his legitimate business, which traded in high-end designer watches, purses, jewellery, and clothing.
Despite his attempts to mitigate the severity of his actions, Akhtar appeared before Perth Sheriff Court last year, where he formally admitted to charges related to the supply of cannabis. The judicial process culminated earlier this summer with his sentencing to a 32-month custodial term, a clear signal of the court’s stance on drug-related offences. Tens of Thousands Confiscated in Proceeds of Crime Hearing
The legal proceedings did not conclude with his imprisonment. A subsequent hearing, held under the Proceeds of Crime Act, aimed to recover the financial benefits Akhtar had accrued from his unlawful dealings. During this session, presided over by Sheriff Simon Collins KC, it was established that Akhtar had profited to the tune of £57,200 from his criminal enterprise.
After meticulous negotiations between the prosecution and Akhtar’s defence solicitor, David Holmes, a final settlement was reached. Akhtar was ordered to repay an ‘available amount’ of £52,490. This substantial sum had already been seized from the businessman, alongside illegal narcotics with an estimated street value of £46,520.
The court heard detailed accounts of how Akhtar’s cannabis operation was uncovered. The initial seizure of a kilogram of cannabis at Stansted Airport, addressed to his Perth home, was the pivotal moment. Upon executing a search warrant at his property, Akhtar openly stated to officers: “Any drugs are mine.” The subsequent search unveiled a significant quantity of cannabis, valuable designer apparel, and cash.
Five months later, another cannabis parcel, intended for a unit in Dundee linked to Akhtar’s partner, was intercepted by Stansted Airport staff. This further intensified the investigation, leading to a second raid on his Perth home where drug-related communications were discovered on his mobile phone. Contrasting Claims and Judicial Scrutiny
During earlier court appearances, Akhtar offered insights into his mindset, telling the court: “I’ve dealt cannabis but I’m not a dealer.” He elaborated, “The majority of the drugs that came in was for myself. Instead of going to Amsterdam and paying for that, I just did it in the house myself. I would probably smoke about five times a day.” He also commented on his business acumen, stating, “For me, money comes and goes. I’m really good at making money. What I’m really good at is sales.”
These statements highlight the contrast between his self-perception and the court’s findings of a large-scale commercial operation. The confiscation order underscores the commitment of law enforcement and the justice system in Perth and Kinross to dismantle drug networks and strip offenders of their illicit wealth, thereby preventing future criminal funding. This outcome serves as a stark reminder that criminal activities, even those attempting to operate under the guise of legitimate business, will not be tolerated within the community and will result in severe penalties.
Akhtar’s clandestine enterprise came to light through the vigilance of Border Force officials, who intercepted a consignment of cannabis destined for his Perth residence. This discovery initiated an investigation that ultimately exposed a sophisticated commercial-level drug dealing network operating from his home in the heart of Perth and a separate unit located at Bowbridge Works on Thistle Street in Dundee.
The police inquiry revealed that Akhtar had been actively involved in the supply of Class B cannabis over an extended period, specifically between July 1, 2020, and March 23, 2021. When confronted by law enforcement, Akhtar reportedly attempted to downplay the scale of his operation, claiming that the vast majority of the imported narcotics were intended solely for his personal consumption. He further asserted that a significant portion of the cash discovered during searches originated from his legitimate business, which traded in high-end designer watches, purses, jewellery, and clothing.
Despite his attempts to mitigate the severity of his actions, Akhtar appeared before Perth Sheriff Court last year, where he formally admitted to charges related to the supply of cannabis. The judicial process culminated earlier this summer with his sentencing to a 32-month custodial term, a clear signal of the court’s stance on drug-related offences. Tens of Thousands Confiscated in Proceeds of Crime Hearing
The legal proceedings did not conclude with his imprisonment. A subsequent hearing, held under the Proceeds of Crime Act, aimed to recover the financial benefits Akhtar had accrued from his unlawful dealings. During this session, presided over by Sheriff Simon Collins KC, it was established that Akhtar had profited to the tune of £57,200 from his criminal enterprise.
After meticulous negotiations between the prosecution and Akhtar’s defence solicitor, David Holmes, a final settlement was reached. Akhtar was ordered to repay an ‘available amount’ of £52,490. This substantial sum had already been seized from the businessman, alongside illegal narcotics with an estimated street value of £46,520.
The court heard detailed accounts of how Akhtar’s cannabis operation was uncovered. The initial seizure of a kilogram of cannabis at Stansted Airport, addressed to his Perth home, was the pivotal moment. Upon executing a search warrant at his property, Akhtar openly stated to officers: “Any drugs are mine.” The subsequent search unveiled a significant quantity of cannabis, valuable designer apparel, and cash.
Five months later, another cannabis parcel, intended for a unit in Dundee linked to Akhtar’s partner, was intercepted by Stansted Airport staff. This further intensified the investigation, leading to a second raid on his Perth home where drug-related communications were discovered on his mobile phone. Contrasting Claims and Judicial Scrutiny
During earlier court appearances, Akhtar offered insights into his mindset, telling the court: “I’ve dealt cannabis but I’m not a dealer.” He elaborated, “The majority of the drugs that came in was for myself. Instead of going to Amsterdam and paying for that, I just did it in the house myself. I would probably smoke about five times a day.” He also commented on his business acumen, stating, “For me, money comes and goes. I’m really good at making money. What I’m really good at is sales.”
These statements highlight the contrast between his self-perception and the court’s findings of a large-scale commercial operation. The confiscation order underscores the commitment of law enforcement and the justice system in Perth and Kinross to dismantle drug networks and strip offenders of their illicit wealth, thereby preventing future criminal funding. This outcome serves as a stark reminder that criminal activities, even those attempting to operate under the guise of legitimate business, will not be tolerated within the community and will result in severe penalties.