A BLACK Country drug dealer whose web of crime extended across the UK has been jailed for a total of 17 years.

Popinder Singh Kandola, aged 54, from Skip Lane, Walsall, was jailed for ten years in January at Birmingham Crown Court after being found guilty of conspiracy to supply heroin and money laundering.

The National Crime Agency case can only now be reported as Kandola was involved in a second trial at Bristol Crown Court. 

NCA officers assisted Avon & Somerset Police with an investigation into Kandola’s role in a plot to set up a crystal meth production centre in the South West.

Kandola received a consecutive seven year sentence after being found guilty of conspiracy to produce MDMA and amphetamine.

Paul Risby, NCA Branch Commander, said: “Kandola was at the centre of two organised crime groups determined to distribute large amounts of drugs throughout communities in West Midlands and the South West.

“We believe he had been involved in the drug trade for many years and clearly thought he could operate above the law. Even while he was on bail for our offences he became involved in a separate plot to produce crystal meth."

During a meeting in Coseley, Kandola was seen by cops receiving a bag containing £50,000 from another crook.

Over the last two years five of Kandola’s accomplices have received jail sentences totalling 28 years.