Five jailed over £750,000 heroin and cocaine supply in Oldham

Friday, 2 May 2025 22:15

By David Murphy

Five men have been sentenced to a combined 34 years and six months in prison following a major investigation into a Chadderton-based county lines drug operation that trafficked heroin and cocaine worth an estimated £750,000.

The gang operated a so-called ‘MOE’ branded drug line which circulated bulk messages advertising class A substances to known users across the area. The line was found to have handled thousands of communications and facilitated the sale of approximately 8kg of illegal drugs over a six-month period in 2023.

The ringleader, Mohammed Rahman (27), of Garforth Street, was sentenced to 11 years in prison after admitting to conspiring to supply cocaine and heroin, and possessing criminal property. A search of his home uncovered over £40,000 in cash.

Four others were also jailed:

Anwar Ali (40), of Denmark Way, received a sentence of three years and six months.

Jamal Ali (22), of Bamford Street, was jailed for five years following a guilty verdict at trial.

Jason Wakeford (52), of Stanley Street, was sentenced to seven years.

Mohammed Amman (25), of Middleton Road, was jailed for eight years after pleading guilty to multiple drug offences, possession of cannabis, and possession of a weapon described as a stun-gun.

The investigation, conducted by Greater Manchester Police’s County Lines Team, began in early 2023 and culminated in simultaneous search warrants in May 2024. The five were arrested and later charged with various drug-related offences.

Detective Sergeant Leanne Banks, who led the operation, described the group as “ruthless individuals” who “acted without thought or feeling for the consequences of what they were doing.”

She added: “This was a sophisticated operation targeting vulnerable members of our community. Thanks to dedicated detective work, the offenders have now been brought to justice.”

Police are encouraging the public to report information about drug dealing in their area by contacting 101 or visiting the GMP website. Anonymous tips can also be submitted via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Greater Manchester

🚒 LIVE: We join Greater Manchester fire crews in Rochdale tonight for a ride-along

Live updates during the evening as we embed with GMFRS for a behind-the-scenes look at frontline fire service work during one of the busiest times of the year.
‘Devastated’ family pay tribute as police investigate death of Bacup man Luke Harden

A murder investigation is under way after the death of 36-year-old Luke Harden in the early hours of Saturday morning in Bacup. His family say they are “devastated” and described him as a loving son, brother, and friend.
Rochdale grooming gang member Adil Khan vanishes during deportation process

A convicted child sex offender from the notorious Rochdale grooming gang has absconded from the UK, Greater Manchester Police has confirmed.
Trams running again after major repairs to Victorian tunnel completed on time

Services between Crumpsall and Bury have resumed after urgent repairs were carried out on a historic Metrolink tunnel to ensure safety for decades to come.
Greater Manchester Police targets human trafficking gangs in new crackdown on immigration crime

A specialist GMP unit is dismantling criminal networks exploiting migrants through fake documents, sham marriages, and modern slavery
Man dies after being pulled from River Irwell as police launch investigation

A man who was rescued from the River Irwell in Salford has died in hospital, prompting an investigation by Greater Manchester Police into how he came to be in the water.
Man dies after being found injured on Bacup street as murder probe launched

Two arrested as police appeal for witnesses following fatal incident in Bacup.
Police step up patrols as Halloween and Bonfire Night approach in Greater Manchester

Officers promise robust action against antisocial behaviour as part of 'Darker Nights' campaign