Cocaine for sex charges lead to court for rabbi

Myanmar News.Net
Wednesday 18th November, 2009

A rabbi from the UK has been accused of financing a drug-dealing business and offering cocaine to girls in exchange for sex.

A court in Manchester has heard that Rabbi Baruch Chalomish, of Salford, rented an apartment where he could run a commercial cocaine supply operation.

When police raided the one bedroom flat, a substantial store of drugs, cocaine, and cash were found.

Drugs paraphernalia was found in the bedroom, including about 101 grams of cocaine and more than £17,000.

Chalomish, 54, has admitted two counts of possessing cocaine but has denied two of possession with intent to supply.

His business partner Nasir Abbas, 54, failed to turn up for the trial and is being sought by police.

Police found both defendants at the apartment during a raid on 5th January, after which the rabbi told them he had rented the flat "to relax and have a party."

Chalomish told officers he bought large quantities of cocaine for himself and often used it when he could not sleep.

The prosecution said they had received other information from Abbas before he absconded, that some of the drugs had allegedly been given to young women who visited the flat for sexual services.

The trial was adjourned until Thursday.

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