Former Hatfield student fined for selling drugs

Loran Sulaiman, of Donald Drive, Romford, pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis with intent to supply, possessing THC liquid with intent to supply and possessing synthetic cannabis with intent to supply after appearing at Luton Crown Court.

The 24-year-old was hit with a £3,500 fine after asking the judge to be fined.

Sulaiman, a Syrian refugee, studied mechanical engineering at the University of Hertfordshire in Hatfield, but the COVID-19 pandemic meant he was unable to pursue a career in the field.

He instead took over Quirky Vapes in Chapel Street, Luton, but he became addicted to cannabis, and while he was selling vapes legally, he was selling the class B drug.

Police raided the shop on July 8, 2020, where cookies containing cannabis, bags of cannabis, packs of THC and synthetic cannabis, worth a total several hundred pounds were seized. £1,350 in cash was also seized.

The court heard that Sulaiman had kicked his drug addiction, and was now working in a classified role for the United States Defense Department in Germany.

His current work within the US military has seen him support Ukraine in their conflict with Russia, and his next deloyment is set to take him to Macedonia in the coming weeks.

"He made a mistake," said barrister Manveer Cheema, defending.

"He was spending £100 a day on cannabis for himself. After his arrest he sought voluntary assistance and is now drug-free.

"He is subject to routine drug tests as part of his employment.

"The case is now three years old. He was 21 at the time and has no convictions or warnings."

Recorder David Mayall added: "Since your arrest you have undertaken voluntary counselling, have kicked the habit and are drug-free.

"I accept that the offences are quite old and that your have made a very good start in your career.

"You do classified work and extremely important work in context of current conflict in Europe. You have come from a background of trauma and oppression."