Six jailed for 44 years after Manchester organised crime gang dismantled
Police are still searching for the alleged ringleader of a multi-million pound drug operation
Last updated 13th Dec 2025
Six people have been sentenced to a combined total of 44 years and eight months after Greater Manchester Police dismantled a major organised crime gang operating on a commercial scale.
The group, based in Manchester, trafficked cocaine, heroin, MDMA, and amphetamine worth over £1.8 million across the UK between March and October 2024, using encrypted apps, storage units, and couriers.
The alleged leader of the operation, Thomas Hunt, a 48-year-old from Middleton, remains wanted by Greater Manchester Police.
Hunt is believed to have directed the gang from his home, controlling the movement of drugs and cash and choosing storage locations. He reportedly kept himself removed from day-to-day operations but was frequently seen engaging with senior gang members.
Officers have revealed that Hunt visited a Manchester address where they eventually seized 11kgs of cocaine alongside pressing equipment.
Key convictions in the case
Dylan Robinson, described as Hunt’s right-hand man, was jailed for 12 years and six months. He oversaw drug logistics, managed storage containers, and coordinated distribution across the country.
Anthony Hunt, believed to be Thomas Hunt’s brother, was sentenced to 11 years and three months. He managed stock and equipment, with his DNA found on drug-related items.
Stanley Ainsley received eight years and seven months. He worked as a courier and stored illicit goods at his home, where police seized drugs, cash, and ammunition.
Graham Sykes was handed a five-year and three-month sentence for working as a courier on trips across England and Scotland, carrying kilograms of cocaine.
Aiden Hopkins, based in Gosport, made trips north to transport drugs from Manchester’s network and was sentenced to three years and nine months.
Robert Earnshaw, who acted as a local dealer in Rochdale, received three years and four months.
Several individuals received suspended sentences for peripheral roles in the group.
Significant seizures during raids
When GMP officers struck, they seized over 15kgs of cocaine, 1.8kgs of heroin, 6.4kgs of amphetamine, nearly 7,000 ecstasy tablets, £75,821 in cash, and 224 rounds of ammunition.
Detective Sergeant Shiels said, “This was not a street-level operation – it was highly structured, with drugs being dealt and shipped across the country on an industrial scale.
“Our officers worked tirelessly deploying covert tactics and surveillance to dismantle the gang. These jail sentences send a clear message: if you choose to engage in organised crime, we will find you, and we will put you in prison.
Our work does not stop here; our attention firmly remains on capturing Thomas Hunt and bringing him to justice.”