Fresh appeal in hunt for Rotherham crystal meth dealer

A CRYSTAL meth dealer described as one of South Yorkshire’s most wanted criminals is still on the run — five years after being convicted.

Mohammed Chernarli (37) was sentenced to ten years in his absence in 2017, alongside Mehdi Esmalpoor (43) and Nehdi Tajabadi (38).

It followed a crystal meth lab being discovered at Broom Valley Road in 2016 — and a fresh appeal over Chernarli’s whereabouts was featured on Crimewatch yesterday (Monday).

Det Chief Insp Anna Sedgwick, who is overseeing the manhunt for the three men, said: “We remain committed to doing all that we can to ensure they are put behind bars.

“We have undertaken extensive enquiries both within the UK and abroad to try and locate Chernarli to no avail.

“We hope the broadcast yesterday on Crimewatch elicits some new information and lines of enquiry about his whereabouts.

“The offence that these men have been convicted and sentenced for is one that is incredibly serious.”

DCI Sedgwick added: “Crystal meth is a very, very dangerous substance, not just for users in terms of the health risks, but in its production as well.

“Extremely volatile materials and processes have to be followed in the production of this drug, which puts the lives of the wider community at risk too.

“Chernarli is originally from Iran and has previously lived in Glasgow, Scotland. He is also known to have links to Sheffield and Leicestershire.

“If you do know where he is, or where he might have been in the last five years, please contact Crimewatch or SYP directly.”

Call 101, quoting reference 138 of October 5, 2022, or visit the online portal at www.southyorks.police.uk/contact-us/report-something.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers via crimestoppers-uk.org or 0800 555 111.