Ten members of an organised crime gang have been sentenced over a cannabis importation plot linked to Rochdale and Heywood.
Police said the group arranged at least 28 importations between December 2022 and January 2024, with cannabis hidden in shipments declared as vintage clothing.
Five shipments were intercepted before delivery, with nearly 130kg of cannabis recovered. Officers estimated the seized drugs had a potential street value of up to £3.7 million.
Greater Manchester Police said the wider conspiracy could have generated as much as £19.3 million.
- Dean Hussain, of no fixed address, was identified by police as the leader of the operation. He was jailed for six years and nine months.
- Prince Oyewo, of Dumbarton Drive, Heywood, was jailed for five years and 10 months.
- Beverley Tsimba, of Lewis Drive, Rochdale, was jailed for five years and two months.
- Elliot McBurnie, of Claymere Avenue, Rochdale, was jailed for four years and six months.
- Junyad Ahmed, of Sladen Street, Rochdale, was given a two year sentence suspended for two years.
- Marshall Howarth, of Darley Road, Rochdale, was given a 17 month sentence suspended for two years.
- Leigha Collins, of Brookdale Street, Failsworth, was given an 18 month sentence suspended for two years.
- Ryan Brosnan, of Cavendish Road, Rochdale, was given a 22 month sentence suspended for two years.
- Tyler McNally, of Moorside, Rochdale, was given an 18 month sentence suspended for two years.
- Louis Dissington, of Moorside, Rochdale, was given a 22 month sentence suspended for two years.
Detective Constable Peter Martin, from GMP Serious and Organised Crime Group, said: “This was a highly organised and sophisticated criminal network operating on a large scale, importing huge quantities of cannabis into the country.
“The gang went to considerable lengths to disguise their activity. They created fake businesses, used stolen or borrowed identities, and attempted to make their shipments appear as ordinary as they possibly could, disguising their trade under the banner of buying vintage clothing. Where in reality, these shipments contained significant quantities of illegal drugs destined for distribution across our communities.
“This investigation demonstrates the strength of joint working between policing and UK Border Force, enabling us to identify, intercept and dismantle a complex importation network.
“The sentence reflects the seriousness of these offences. Organised drug supply fuels wider criminality and causes significant harm to not just our communities in Greater Manchester, but communities across the country.
“We remain committed to targeting those involved at every level, from those directing operations to those who assist in carrying them out. Our message is clear: we will continue to pursue organised crime groups relentlessly and bring those responsible to justice.”
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