Five defendants involved in a large-scale drug distribution network based in Manchester have been collectively jailed for more than 40 years.
The network involved the multi-kilo supply of Class A and B drugs and over £50,000 was seized during the arrests.
David Austin aged 40 of St Bartholomew’s Drive, Salford, controlled the safehouses and coordinated the couriers and was charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine, heroin and cannabis. He has been jailed for 13 years and six months.
Michael Creag aged 60 of Alexandra Grove, Irlam, acted as a courier and was charged conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis. He has been jailed for nine years.
Richard Bass aged 32 of Tame Street, Denton, was a courier and was involved in long distance drug deliveries and was charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine, heroin and cannabis. He has been jailed for eight years and three months.
Mala Patel aged 56 of Carr Green, Lowton, acted as a courier and was charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis. She has been jailed for seven years and four months.
Carrie Anderson aged 39 of Delamere Avenue, Swinton, was a local distributor and cash collector and was charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis. She has been jailed for four years and four months.
Another suspect referred to as ‘Hamas’ or ‘Sinwar’ is an unidentified Dubai based head of the group who directed movement and distribution of drugs around the UK.
Officers from GMP’s Serious Organised Crime Unit targeted the group in a covert operation that lasted five months.
