Six jailed for 60 years following £1m drug import conspiracy
Operation Image uncovers extensive drug network across Greater Manchester
Six individuals have been sentenced to a total of over 60 years in prison for their part in a conspiracy to import drugs worth more than £1 million into the UK.
The sentencing took place at Bolton Crown Court on 9th April following a comprehensive investigation known as Operation Image, conducted by Greater Manchester Police over two years. The operation began when UK Border Force intercepted 8 kilos of high-purity cocaine from Jamaica, intended for addresses across Greater Manchester.
Among the evidence presented in court were claims by two defendants that financial exchanges with a man in Jamaica, previously deported from the UK, were intended for "purchasing goats, not drugs".
Detailed sentencing
Darren Bailey from Stockport received a 19-year sentence for conspiracy to import and supply class A drugs, alongside class B offences.
Nathan Charles from Gorton was sentenced to 17 years for similar charges including drug supply and production.
Adrian Stephenson from Bury was given a 9.5-year sentence for conspiracy to import class A drugs.
Panashe Nyamariwata from Salford received a 6-year sentence with the same conspiracy import charge.
Charlene Bellamy from Oldham and Kamica Morris from Manchester were sentenced to 5 years and 4 years respectively, both charged with conspiracy to import class A drugs.
An additional defendant, Hannah Conlon from Bury, faced trial for importing class B drugs, with sentencing scheduled at Liverpool Crown Court on 20th April.
Operation Image investigation
Operation Image, launched in March 2024, led to significant drug seizures, including 4 kilos of cocaine, thousands of MDMA and 2CB tablets, as well as £100,000 in cash. These were discovered during raids in Gorton, Didsbury, and Stockport following arrests. The total value of the drugs involved exceeded £1 million.
Detective Constable Ryan O’Hanlon described the operation’s impact:
“This investigation has taken drugs off the street worth over a million pounds. Drugs ruin lives and the crimes that are committed to fund the habits that dealers profit from blight our communities."
Officers' diligent efforts, including executing multiple warrants and gathering ample evidence, ensured the offenders were convicted and sentenced for their crimes.
Today's sentencing echoes the gravity of the offences and underscores law enforcement's commitment to protecting communities from such criminal endeavours.