An escaped inmate from HMP Springhill in Buckinghamshire, Mahad Elmi, is currently being sought by Thames Valley Police. Elmi, who was convicted for orchestrating a county lines drug operation along with his brother Amin, had been serving an eight-year sentence. The duo operated in Cardiff, using a 17-year-old boy to distribute heroin and crack cocaine.
During a police raid on their drug den in Cardiff, authorities found the teenager in possession of more than 50 wraps of drugs valued at around £1,000. The Elmi brothers, along with the unnamed teenager, were apprehended and charged with possession with intent to supply heroin, crack cocaine, and cannabis.
Mahad Elmi, aged 27, hailing from Lambeth in South London, admitted guilt, while Amin Elmi, aged 19, from London, was convicted after a trial at Swansea Crown Court. They received sentences of eight years and six years respectively.
In a concerning trend, 57 prisoners absconded from prisons in England and Wales in the 12 months leading up to March 2025, though this number has been on a decline from the previous years. Thames Valley Police described Elmi as a 5ft 8ins tall black man with medium build, medium-length black hair, a beard, and brown eyes, cautioning the public not to approach him.
Detective Sergeant Matthew French from Buckinghamshire’s Priority Crime Team urged the public to report any sightings of Elmi, advising against approaching him and instead calling emergency services. Anyone with information on Elmi’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact the police, referencing case number 43250653119.