Three men have been jailed after police dismantled a large scale drug supply network that used postal services to distribute Class A and Class B drugs across the UK from a warehouse in Edenfield.
The operation led to the seizure of drugs with an estimated value of more than £2.2 million and the recovery of cash, encrypted devices and packaging equipment.
Iain Potter, of Sefton Drive in Liverpool, was sentenced to 11 years and four months in prison after admitting conspiracy to supply Class A and Class B drugs.
Jack Wright, of Westgate Lane in Wakefield, received the same sentence for conspiracy to supply Class A and Class B drugs.
Ross Fathi, of Wingfield Drive in Wilmslow, was jailed for six years after being convicted of conspiracy to supply Class A and Class B drugs.
The court heard the three men operated from a warehouse in Edenfield, Bury, between January and April 2025. Investigators said the premises had been set up as a distribution centre containing packaging stations, vacuum sealing machines, label printers and Royal Mail bags prepared for dispatch.
Officers also found lists of names and addresses together with parcels ready to be sent.
Royal Mail records showed 1,724 parcels were dispatched between February and April 2025. Police said the parcels weighed between 0.1kg and 10kg and carried false return addresses intended to conceal the source of the deliveries.
A warrant executed at the warehouse uncovered a range of controlled substances including cocaine, MDMA, ketamine, LSD, psilocybin mushrooms, cannabis resin and THC edibles.
Forensic examination found empty packaging linked to at least 19 kilograms of cocaine, with a potential street value of up to £1.9 million. Other drugs seized were valued at between £109,755 and £337,432.
Investigators also recovered more than £13,000 in cash, encrypted mobile devices and equipment used to process and package drugs.
On 24 April 2025, Potter and Wright were arrested in Ramsbottom after officers stopped them with a suitcase containing five kilograms of cannabis skunk.
Further searches at their homes led to the recovery of additional drugs and packaging linked to wholesale supply, including MDMA, ketamine, LSD and cocaine.
Fathi was arrested at the Edenfield warehouse. Police said encrypted messaging evidence linked him to the conspiracy and showed he acted as a courier and packer. Messages also showed him receiving instructions from Potter and providing updates on Class A drug stock levels.
Detective Constable Liam Smith from Greater Manchester Police's Serious Crime Division said: "This was an organised criminal enterprise on an industrial scale, they would act as a legitimate outfit, flooding drugs via parcels throughout the country.
"Potter, Wright and Fathi would use encrypted devices, fake addresses, and sophisticated packaging methods to try and evade detection. The quantity of drugs involved, and the planning shows they weren't small time dealers, they ran a criminal outfit who were looking to maximise profits on a daily basis.
"Today's sentencing sends a clear message, if you choose to engage in drug supply, we will find you, dismantle your network, and bring you to justice. We will continue to target those who exploit vulnerable people for financial gain and ensure they face prison time."
Greater Manchester Police has also highlighted its Home Office backed Buy Now, Pay Later campaign, which aims to raise awareness of the risks and consequences of purchasing cannabis online. The force said cannabis ordered through overseas parcel networks can lead to serious criminal offences and long term impacts on employment, travel and education.
Associate of synagogue attacker admits terrorism offence in court
A sanctuary of calm amid the madness
Andy Burnham says Labour got it wrong as he unveils business rates shake up for pubs and small firms
Jimmy McNulty leaves Rochdale to join Stockport County
Massive Simister Island M60 upgrade gets started
Campaigners fear lightning damage to wind turbine spells danger for new wind farm
Newly elected Reform councillor defends historic black face make up photograph
EdStart Schools Oldham and Rochdale praised in first Ofsted inspection after opening year
Makerfield residents voice frustration and excitement as by election campaign intensifies
Littleborough Band celebrates prize winning Whit Friday performances
Oldham specialist school praised after unannounced exam inspection
Work begins on 302 new homes at Cowm Top in Castleton
