The £1m ketamine kings: West yorks drug duo jailed for eight years

Police surveillance, encrypted phone evidence and a 75kg drugs find unravel a West Yorkshire supply network, ending in lengthy jail terms at Leeds Crown Court. Two men involved in the large-scale supply of controlled drugs across West Yorkshire have been jailed after police recovered more than 75 kilograms of ketamine alongside quantities of cocaine, following targeted surveillance into an organised drugs network.

Uzair Hamid, 30, and Kai Helliwell, 25, were sentenced at Leeds Crown Court on Thursday 15 January 2026 after both admitted a series of drugs offences committed during 2025.

Hamid, of Deveron Grove, Huddersfield, pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of ketamine, possession with intent to supply ketamine, possession with intent to supply cannabis, and conspiracy to supply cocaine. He was sentenced to a total of seven years and six months’ imprisonment.

Helliwell, of Whitwell Drive, Elland, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply cocaine and conspiracy to supply cocaine. He was sentenced to three years’ custody.

Read more: Dealer caught with 98 wraps stuffed in trousers by cops raid

The court heard that on 15 May 2025 officers observed a handover involving Hamid and Helliwell as part of ongoing enquiries into suspected drugs supply activity in the Kirklees area. Later that evening, Hamid was arrested outside his home address.

A search of his property uncovered cannabis and more than 75kg of ketamine, which specialists valued at between £511,000 and £1.46 million depending on how it was distributed at street level.

Helliwell, identified during police enquiries as working with Hamid, was stopped by officers later the same day while driving in the Fixby area of Huddersfield. A search of his vehicle revealed a quantity of suspected Class A drugs, later confirmed to be cocaine, and he was arrested.

Both men were charged and appeared before Leeds Magistrates Court on 17 May 2025. Analysis of seized mobile phones revealed messages between the defendants and others, which prosecutors said demonstrated Hamid’s involvement in the supply of Class A and Class B drugs, and Helliwell’s role in supplying cocaine.

Read more: Cannabis Killer Jailed for Life Over "Merciless" Street Murder