Men jailed after gang linked to £19m of drugs dismantled in Greater Manchester
The gang used fake businesses and vintage clothing shipments to smuggle cannabis into the UK
Ten members of an organised crime group have been jailed after police uncovered a large-scale cannabis importation network linked to drugs worth more than £19 million.
The group imported cannabis from North America between December 2022 and January 2024, according to Greater Manchester Police.
Officers linked the gang to at least 28 separate importations, with drugs hidden inside shipments declared as vintage clothing.
Police and UK Border Force intercepted five shipments before they reached their destination, recovering nearly 130kg of cannabis with an estimated street value of up to £3.7 million.
Officers believe the total amount of cannabis imported by the group could have generated as much as £19.3 million.
Fake companies used to disguise imports
Police said the operation relied on fake businesses, false identities and fraudulent shipping paperwork to disguise the drugs as legitimate deliveries.
Investigators identified suspicious freight movements which led to multiple seizures at UK ports.
Dean Hussain, of no fixed address, was identified as the leader of the operation.
The 26-year-old organised shipments, created fake companies using false identities and coordinated payments and deliveries, according to police.
He was jailed for six years and nine months after being found guilty of conspiracy to import a drug subject to a temporary class order with intent to evade a prohibition or restriction.
Prince Oyewo, 27, of Dumbarton Drive, Heywood, was jailed for five years and 10 months after being found guilty of the same offence.
Beverley Tsimba, 25, of Lewis Drive, Rochdale, was jailed for five years and two months.
Elliot McBurnie, 25, of Claymere Avenue, Rochdale, was jailed for four years and six months.
Suspended sentences handed to six others
Six other members of the group received suspended prison sentences.
Junyad Ahmed, 35, of Sladen Street, Rochdale, was jailed for two years suspended for two years.
Marshall Howarth, 21, of Darley Road, Rochdale, was jailed for 17 months suspended for two years.
Leigha Collins, 22, of Brookdale Street, Failsworth, was jailed for 18 months suspended for two years.
Ryan Brosnan, 26, of Cavendish Road, Rochdale, was jailed for 22 months suspended for two years after being found guilty of conspiracy to import drugs and being concerned in the supply of Class B drugs.
Tyler McNally, 21, of Moorside, Rochdale, was jailed for 18 months suspended for two years.
Louis Dissington, 22, of Moorside, Rochdale, was jailed for 22 months suspended for two years after being found guilty of conspiracy to import drugs and being concerned in the supply of Class B drugs.
Police say operation was highly organised
Detective Constable Peter Martin, from Greater Manchester Police’s 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.”