'Cuckoo' gang jailed after DNA found on toothbrush

Seven men who took over a vulnerable person's home to run a drugs line have been jailed after a year-long investigation.

Mohammed Othmam, 29, Mohammed Ali, 36, and others in their teens and 20s used the victim's home for the illegal operation in a process known as "cuckooing".

Seven were jailed and three given suspended sentences at Sheffield Crown Court on Monday, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs in November.

Police found £2,500 worth of drugs at the Sheffield city centre flat and personal belongings, including multiple toothbrushes in the bathroom with DNA matching that of the gang members.

CCTV footage also captured Kian Bruff, 18, and Christian Mayamba, 19, using the victim's stolen debit card at an ATM and withdrawing all his funds, which they later denied in police interviews.

Mayamba, who also pleaded guilty to theft and fraud, was also seen in a Snapchat video recorded by himself holding a wad of £20 notes.

Callum Mayo, 19, had recorded himself with a machete, smoking cannabis and wearing a bulletproof vest.

Det Con Mike Jenkins, the officer in charge of the case, said the gang was "violent and remorseless".

"Drug supply is often linked to serious organised crime, with members of the community left feeling the repercussions of these callous actions," he added.

The sentences are as follows.

• Mohammed Othman, of Sharrow Lane, Sheffield - six years and three months
• Mohammed Ali, of Charlotte Road, Sheffield – five years and ten months
• Muad Kulaib, 25, Washington Road, Sheffield - four years and six months
• Christian Mayamba, of Wood Street, Barnsley – four years and three months in a young offenders' institute
• Sanad Ali, 23, of Washington Road, Sheffield – four years
• Callum Mayo, of Mapplebeck Road, Sheffield – two years and three months in a young offenders' institute
• Masimba Mwanjira, 19, of Roberts Road, Colchester – two years and three months in a young offenders' institute
• Mckenzie Bouzin, 19, of Middle Hay Place, Sheffield – one year and 10 months in a young offenders' institute, suspended for two years
• Jenade Brown, 20, of Ingshead Avenue, Rotherham – one year and 10 months in a young offenders' institute, suspended for two years
• Kian Bruff, of Coventry Road, Ilford – one year and 10 months in a young offenders' institute, suspended for two years

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