Four men have been sentenced to over 36 years for their part in a drugs ring operating out of Manchester.
They were caught in a police investigation – codenamed Operation Pula which concentrated on the four men suspected of supplying large amounts of drugs and money laundering
Using encrypted conversations to ‘hide’ their true identities, police identified all four men from their ‘handles’ and intercepted messages in relation to the purchase of large amounts of cocaine
The court heard how this case centred on the importation and supply of multiple kilos of class A drugs – identified as cocaine and heroin – and money laundering being carried out by this Manchester-based organised crime group.
Evidence was initially gathered from encrypted mobile phone conversations between the members of the gang, who were all identified by their handles.
Nathan Lobley aged 38 of Ashfield Drive in Manchester who was jailed for 14 years had the handle of ‘carrottoxic’ took possession of at least 19 kilos of cocaine, which had a street value of between £684,000 and £798,000 and supplied it to third parties.
Police also discovered from conversations he was having with another encrypted handle that he had a firearm which he arranged to pass on to a third party. He initially pleaded not guilty to this offence, but was later found guilty following trial.
Thomas Bradley aged 33 of Mellalieu Street in Middleton had the handle ‘lovelyseal’ and was recognised as someone who was collecting cash from 20 other encrypted handles.
He was collecting on an almost daily basis and had collected approximately £2 million a month. Between 16 March 2020 and 31 May 2020, he had collected £5.8 million.
Following a strike day by GMP on 22 March 2022, Bradley went on the run but was arrested returning to the UK via Hollyhead on 3 December 2022.
His encrypted device was linked to all key nominals in the conspiracy and to all identified money laundering events.
Craig Ganson aged of Fernhurst Street in Chadderton was the wholesale regional supplier of cocaine and heroin, who, between 2 April 2020 and 10 June 2020, purchased at least 11kg of cocaine and 2kg of heroin – valued at over £400,000 – from his suppliers.
While Paul Taylor aged 46 of Pargate Close in Norden, Rochdale ’ – purchased a kilo of cocaine on 21 April 2020 for £37,000 and passed £80,390 to Bradley during the conspiracy period.
DC David Grimshaw within the SOCG task force, said: “We are pleased with the result, which has seen these men taken off the streets for a considerable period of time.
“Our investigation was a complex one and I would like to thank everyone who played a role. Not only have we taken four drug dealers off the streets of Manchester, we have also disrupted a supplier of firearms.
“Manchester communities should not have to live among drug dealers, and we are committed to ensuring that we identify, locate and remove these offenders. Organised crime can have an unprecedented effect on these communities, and it is vital that our work in this area continues.
“These men thought they were hiding behind an encrypted communication system that would mean identifying them would be difficult, but it wasn’t. They openly communicated through this system, which has led to them going straight to prison.
“We would urge anyone who has any information regarding drug dealing or other organised crimes taking place in their communities to come forward so we can get dangerous individuals off the street.”
