An international drugs gang used a blizzard of bogus companies to import cocaine and heroin worth millions of pounds hidden in consignments of fruit and vegetables from Holland, a court heard. The gang, known as the '706' and the 'Portuguese Mafia', deliberately targeted addicts before taking over their homes and using them as a base for their crimes, peddling cocaine, heroin and cannabis. POLICE seized a huge haul of drugs together with an off-road bike and what's believed to be an extendable baton after swooping on a property. Latham was working for GMP on the reception of the Great Manchester Police Digital Investigation Unit, but was under investigation in connection with this work. Five men from Greater Manchester have been charged on suspicion of smuggling drugs worth billions of pounds into the UK. READ MORE: Big-time dealer chatted with 'Terry f***ing Tibbs' and 'Tyrion Lannister' about huge amounts of cocaine. Manchester Evening News 2023-01-16 Newspaper Manchester Evening News . Create new account. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. It was heard that Jacob was paying the 600 per month rent on the property, not Dowling. David Toal, representing Charley Jacob, told the court "in reality this enterprise is one that involved the supplying of drug users as opposed to dealings for wholesale". A prison worker has been arrested on suspicion of attempting to supply drugs and smuggling items into a high security jail. Manchester Police 2021 Crime Report: Read the full 25-page report below. Shahid, of Peakdale Avenue, Crumpsall, was jailed for 12 years and nine months. In June Blake's girlfriend, 27-year-old former nightclub hostess Holly Caldwell, was jailed for seven years after she drove the haul of weapons to Luton. They all laughed', Prime Minister Rishi Sunak dodges MP's Manchester HS2 question in the Commons, The PM was asked whether he believes 'investment should be taken from poorer areas in the north and given to the more affluent parts of Kent', Mum accused of murdering ex helped alleged killers plant device on car, jury told, Coleen Campbell denies involvement in the murder of her former spouse Thomas Campbell, Agitation and solidarity: Nurses ensure their voices are heard on historic day. Mum to. READ MORE: Cocaine gang laundered staggering 9 million in dirty money even during lockdown. Wir haben uns ein ganz wunderbares Schlafzimmer von der Schreinerei Braeunlein gegnnt. Djassi was jailed for nine years. Mr Farrow said this showed evidence of its use for previous packaging of both of those drugs. READ MORE: Two members of gangster family who caused nothing but misery locked up - as dad flees. 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Caldwell, of King Edward Road, St Helens, pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to supply class A drugs and possession of a prohibited weapon. Woman branded a 'tomato' by bullies because of skin condition finds cure, 'My ex made a joke in front of his friends. A second shipment intercepted in Holland was found to have 15 kilos of heroin, 1.6 kilos of cannabis resin and 249 kilos of cannabis leaf with a combined street value of 8.8m, the court was told. Judge Patrick Field said that while Shahid was a 'leading light' in a 'substantial criminal enterprise', he accepted he was 'subordinate' to Blake and 'Mocky'. Five men from Greater Manchester are among those arrested (stock image). Andrew Thomas QC, opening the case for the Crown at Manchester Crown Court on Tuesday, told the jury the case concerned the importation of 'vast quantities' of drugs from continental Europe into the UK. It is published Monday-Saturday; a Sunday edition, the MEN on Sunday, was launched in February 2019. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. On April 19 the collection of a kilo of heroin from a hotel in Sale was arranged, while on May 11 the transfer of 1.35kg of heroin from an address in Oldham was discussed. All defendants pleaded guilty. At an earlier hearing he pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to supply class A drugs and one count conspiring to sell or transfer firearms. Another man, Matthew Record, contacted other criminals to buy kilos of cocaine for cash. Members of the Rochdale and Bury based 'Nardo' drugs gang supplied millions of pounds worth of cannabis across the UK. Mohammed Shahid was described as a 'key facilitator' in a Cheetham Hill -based organised crime group which trafficked firearms and 'wholesale amounts' of heroin and cocaine. The QC said the value of the drugs said to be on those 200 shipments 'must have been enormous'. But he was found to be the criminal operating the 'Earthstrong' username on the highly secretive network. A 'leading light' in a gang which supplied guns and drugs across Greater Manchester planned to make so much money he'd be 'set up for life', a court heard. Mayor Andy Burnham clashes with angry caller over Clean Air Zone in heated radio debate, Row over plans for late night Metrolink tram trial that 'cuts across side of Manchester', Takeaway told it cannot open later as safety concerns surface following death of student, Eurythmics lyrics heard from Night & Day in neighbouring flat, council claims in court, 'Bailiffs said they'd take my kids' toys away. Thirteen men were arrested during dawn raids across London, the North West and Yorkshire, Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox. Ronnie Bergenthal, defending Pearce Dowling, described that he was 'very candid and open' during police interviews' and 'gave full admissions to police at an early stage. Judge Field added: "You used your Encrochat device to arrange the trafficking of large quantities of class A drugs on the wholesale market to other dealers and also arranged the sale of a proportion of those drugs via a drugs line. He was linked to at least 11-and-a-half kilos of the class A drug, and was part of a wider criminal network profiting from cocaine. Bottom row L-R: Rafael Ernesto, Glen Kabambe, Mohammed Latif and Pascal Lupaka. Manchester Evening News 778 views10 months ago CC Terrifying moment driver nearly smashes into police car after cutting across M66 in 100mph chase Manchester Evening News 787 views10 months ago. The long-serving Manchester Evening News reporter, who has died at the age of 88, was a gentle and courteous man who earned the unwavering trust of Sir Alex Ferguson Published: 30 Oct 2018 Nine members of a "sophisticated" 100m drug-dealing ring have been jailed for up to 24 years. Manchester Evening News Drugs gangs preying on our kids Special report on the ruthless Greater Manchester County Lines drugs gangs terrorising children with their evil trade 2021-07-18 - By BETH ABBITT newsdesk@men-news.co.uk @MENnewsdesk THEY might be hundreds of miles apart, but they are locked in a deadly dance. Even though Mr Green was a director of a number of companies, including a cleaning and hair-dressing business, most years he declared no salary and little or no profit, according to the prosecution. But within weeks another firm called 'Europroduce' began sending fruit and veg from Holland to warehouses in Sheffield and Preston, according to the prosecution. Colleagues had noticed her taking an interest in how Snapchat messages could be retrieved during investigations, as it it commonly believed messages are deleted after being seen. 656.7K Followers. Man City receive triple boost ahead of Tottenham clash as Pep Guardiola defends recent struggles, These are your Manchester City evening headlines for Wednesday, January 18, 'Coronation Street cobbles across city would turn Salford into tourist attraction', Salford could cash in on appeal of iconic soap by rolling back the years, says councillor, Man and woman linked to Waterloo Gang jailed after turf war shootings, 'GMP will relentlessly pursue these crime gangs that are a blight on society and make people's lives a misery', Thugs used 'slam gun' to shoot man in face in brutal alleyway attack, Devastation as M&S closure 'another death blow' for Bolton, M&S announced it would be shutting up shop in Bolton town centre, Crystal Palace vs Manchester United: highlights and reaction after late equalizer. Liverpool Echo News. Bruno Fernandes fired Man United ahead against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Wednesday night. READ MORE: Drugs gang caught with 40k of ecstasy pills disguised as cat food after ex-GMP worker warning. But all three were jailed for their involvement in drug dealing, which was exposed after the hacking of the EncroChat network. He said I should get cosmetic surgery to take my rosacea away. Man Utd could only draw with Crystal Palace in their Premier League fixture on Wednesday evening at Selhurst Park. He said I should get cosmetic surgery to take my rosacea away. The package, disguised as cat food, was found to contain MDMA tablets with a street value of more than 40,000. Mohammed Shahid was described as a 'key facilitator' in a Cheetham Hill-based gang which trafficked guns and 'wholesale amounts' of heroin and cocaine, Don't miss out on the big stories from Manchester's courts with our weekly newsletter. Casemiro to miss Manchester Uniteds Premier League clash with Arsenal. Patricia Mary DILLON. Roach pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis saying he acted as a courier that brought the cannabis found with his fingerprints from Romford in Essex earlier in November 2019, delivering it to Dale View. A cardboard box in the same utility room was found which contained a quantity of MDMA and skunk cannabis. Andrew Hall, 55, of Wycherley Road, Rochdale, was jailed for three years and four months. The arena has the highest seating capacity of any indoor venue in the United Kingdom . Sentencing, Judge John Potter, described it as a 'remarkable case' as the main offenders had no previous convictions. Tuesday evening news briefing: Russia 'at war with Britain', says Putin ally Man Utd could only draw with Crystal Palace in their Premier League fixture on Wednesday evening at Selhurst Park. ", ITV Dancing on Ice slapped with official complaints after 'too sexy' scenes, The first episode saw Ekin-Su left in danger of going home after a public vote, Boss explains the 'coffee cup test' he uses in every job interview to decide who not to hire, The tech company boss said those who fail the test would be blacklisted for any future positions, Five people checked over by paramedics after crash on busy main road in Bury, Nobody was seriously injured or needed hospital treatment, Royal Mail issue update after cyber incident affected some deliveries, The company announced it was continued to find ways to work around the recent cyber attack which impacted its systems, Christine McGuinness says she's 'embarrassed herself' as she details nightly battle, The mum-of-three shared how things caught up with her while getting a beauty treatment, Two planes narrowly avoid major crash on busy runway in New York, The two planes narrowly missed each other, Thugs caught buying balaclava and crowbar before using 'slam gun' in brutal alleyway shooting that left man with facial injuries, Police said it was 'remarkable the victim was not killed', Marks and Spencer shoppers 'won't buy a Chinese takeaway again' since trying 5.50 meal, Crystal Palace vs Manchester United LIVE highlights and reaction as Olise scores late equaliser. The other man arrested has been released under investigation. A discovery by Border Force led this drugs gang to be smashed. Man City receive triple boost ahead of Tottenham clash as Pep Guardiola defends recent struggles, These are your Manchester City evening headlines for Wednesday, January 18, 'Coronation Street cobbles across city would turn Salford into tourist attraction', Salford could cash in on appeal of iconic soap by rolling back the years, says councillor, Man and woman linked to Waterloo Gang jailed after turf war shootings, 'GMP will relentlessly pursue these crime gangs that are a blight on society and make people's lives a misery', Thugs used 'slam gun' to shoot man in face in brutal alleyway attack, Devastation as M&S closure 'another death blow' for Bolton, M&S announced it would be shutting up shop in Bolton town centre, Crystal Palace vs Manchester United: highlights and reaction after late equalizer. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. Last month Doyle was jailed for seven years and two months, Papangelis to 12 years and nine months, and Moscrop to three years and nine months. or. Poynton. [3] The National Crime Agency say they have smashed the UK's biggest ever drugs racket after they found the drugs hidden on lorries carrying vegetable and juice into the country from Holland. Police said they believed 'vulnerable people' - including children - were used to store drugs at 'cuckooed' properties in York. In all investigators seized 450 kilos of heroin and cocaine and more than two tonnes of cannabis worth 40m in four intercepted loads, according to the Crown. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. Mr Green, 55, of Kemberton Drive in Widnes, Steven Martin, 49, of Chorley Old Road in Bolton, Mumammad Ovais, 42, of Bournlee Avenue, Burnage, Brian McMullen, 50, from Liverpool, and Leslie Peter Kewin, 60, from Runcorn, deny two counts conspiracy to import cocaine. Casemiro to miss Manchester Uniteds Premier League clash with Arsenal. Earlier this month, Singh was jailed for three years and six months. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. A month later Dutch police stopped a van in Amstelveen and found more drugs worth 1.7m, the jurors heard. They were all jailed for flooding communities with drugs, Don't miss out on the big stories from Manchester's courts with our weekly newsletter. The 27-year-olds admitted conspiracy to supply controlled drugs. A man arrested during the Manchester Arena bombing investigation is on the run in Libya and wanted by police for his role in a drugs conspiracy. ", ITV Dancing on Ice slapped with official complaints after 'too sexy' scenes, The first episode saw Ekin-Su left in danger of going home after a public vote, Boss explains the 'coffee cup test' he uses in every job interview to decide who not to hire, The tech company boss said those who fail the test would be blacklisted for any future positions, Five people checked over by paramedics after crash on busy main road in Bury, Nobody was seriously injured or needed hospital treatment, Royal Mail issue update after cyber incident affected some deliveries, The company announced it was continued to find ways to work around the recent cyber attack which impacted its systems, Christine McGuinness says she's 'embarrassed herself' as she details nightly battle, The mum-of-three shared how things caught up with her while getting a beauty treatment, Two planes narrowly avoid major crash on busy runway in New York, The two planes narrowly missed each other, Thugs caught buying balaclava and crowbar before using 'slam gun' in brutal alleyway shooting that left man with facial injuries, Police said it was 'remarkable the victim was not killed', Marks and Spencer shoppers 'won't buy a Chinese takeaway again' since trying 5.50 meal, Crystal Palace vs Manchester United LIVE highlights and reaction as Olise scores late equaliser. The others who have been charged are four counts of conspiracy to import Class A drugs and four counts of conspiracy to import Class B drugs are Paul Green, 54, of Eccleston, St Helens, Sohail Quereshi, 59, of Wood Crescent, White City, Ifthikar Hussain, 46, of Upland Grove, Leeds, Vojtech Dano, 38, of Vulcan Gardens, Dewsbury and Ivan Turak, 34, of Vulcan Gardens, Dewsbury. It is alleged a company director from Widnes, Paul Green, 55, led the sophisticated operation and enjoyed holidays to Portugal, expensive cars and designer gear. Nine members of a "sophisticated" 100m drug-dealing ring have been jailed for up to 24 years. Drug dealing of class A drugs is a serious offence." . The court heard the amount of money Shahid made from trafficking was 'hard to discern', but he was said to have bragged about how it would 'set him up for life' and told how he planned to buy his own house 'within a year or two'. The property's rent was paid for by another dealer, Charlie Jacob, 25. I love it. Abdul Ghafar, 46, was also said to be involved in drug dealing. Midgley, of Dinsdale Close, Miles Platting, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine, and was jailed for 15 years in May. Another defendant, Abby Latham, 22, was arrested with Jacob on December 23 2019 and charged with assisting an offender. Ahad Hussain, of West Street, Rochdale, was involved in a police pursuit on Tweedale Street in the town, on October 11, last year. Marsden and Powell both received nine years and eight months, and Ghafar was sentenced to eight years and eight months. Latham had tried to warn Jacob that that police could retrieve messages sent over Snapchat, and to not use that communication for drug dealing activity in case his phone was seized. Man United play Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Wednesday and we'll bring you updates from the match in our live blog. Death Notice 57 14/01/2023 Manchester Add a photo free Stephen Frank CARTER Stephen Frank Carter passed away suddenly in hospital on 29th December 2022. Midgley's home had undergone extensive renovations and he had three expensive watches. Dowling had also found employment since his arrest. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. King Charles III will visit Greater Manchester this week, It will be the first visit from a reigning monarch since 1988, Family and friends of beloved mum killed in police crash tragedy pay respects, Heather Smedley died when a police vehicle collided with her car as she turned into her street in Royton. Mark Peers, 55, of Norbeck Close in Warrington, Oliver Penter, 38, of Gladstone Street in Stockport, and Iftikhar Hussain, 47, of Upland Grove in Leeds, also deny conspiracy to import cocaine. (ne Nancholas) On December 24th, peacefully at home, aged 94 years. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. The mobile phone examination revealed clear evidence of Dowling and Jacob involved together in the supply of drugs. Man United play Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Wednesday and we'll bring you updates from the match in our live blog. He was arrested on July 26 2020 as he arrived in Manchester on a flight back from Amsterdam. Adrian Fox, 30, of Lower Edge Avenue, Oldham, was given 32 months for producing cannabis, supplying cannabis, and possessing criminal property. 'Finally arrived!' Two men were arrested after drugs were uncovered in raids in south Manchester. A drugs gang who had not been involved in crime before have been jailed for flooding Manchester's streets with drugs after a 40k package of MDMA was seized at the border. Megan Woodham, 30, ranted on Facebook that there was 'absolutely no evidence whatsoever . All 13 men, aged between 24 and 59, are due to appear at Manchester Magistrates' Court on today (Thursday). In May Cary was jailed for nine years and nine months, while Record was sentenced to six years and nine months. He has been remanded in custody and is set to appear at Manchester Crown Court on Thursday 5 January 2023. READ MORE "We just want him home": Family's desperate plea for missing man who went for a walk and hasn't returned. They are all being held for allegedly importing cocaine, heroin, and cocaine worth billions of pounds into the UK. They all laughed', Prime Minister Rishi Sunak dodges MP's Manchester HS2 question in the Commons, The PM was asked whether he believes 'investment should be taken from poorer areas in the north and given to the more affluent parts of Kent', Mum accused of murdering ex helped alleged killers plant device on car, jury told, Coleen Campbell denies involvement in the murder of her former spouse Thomas Campbell, Agitation and solidarity: Nurses ensure their voices are heard on historic day. Vanduno was jailed for three years and six months. CCTV footage of the horsebox after this led police to estimate that there was at least 100kg inside it, worth 500,000. Property Crimes: UCR Part I Property Crimes - Burglary, Theft, MV Theft, and Arson. Messages on his phone showed Fox had travelled to five different countries in 2020 despite a declared income of just over 6,000, the court heard. Musgrove, of The Quays, and . In the raid in 2019, the fingerprints of Adrian Fox, 30, of Lower Edge Avenue, Oldham, were found on a bag of cannabis. Cary, 49, of Osterley Road, Blackley, pleaded guilty to four counts of conspiracy to supply class A drugs, and two counts of fraudulently evading a prohibition. Friday 07 January 1870. Dowling said he was responsible for the cannabis farm in police interview, putting it together with Jacob, the court heard. Class A drugs were seized along with six burner phones found hidden in a number of vehicles, Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox. Within days the alleged drugs import operation resumed under another business name, HGG, which imported fruit juice to another firm, Universal Wholesale, in Warrington, said Mr Thomas. Investigators again looked at phone messages which suggested there had been drugs in earlier consignments too, according to the prosecution. Former Manchester United star highlights 'very important' asset that will make Antony a success. Roach also made a number of calls to Wiggan the day after the raid at Dale View. Blake, 30, also of Peakdale Avenue, Crumpsall will be sentenced on February 14 next year, after being found guilty of two counts of conspiracy to supply class A drugs and one count conspiring to sell or transfer firearms. Ronnie Bergenthal, defending Pearce Dowling, described that he was 'very candid and open' during police interviews' and 'g. But the court was told one Europroduce consignment was intercepted at the Lincolnshire port of Killingholme on September 4, 2018, and investigators found 336 kilos of cocaine and 57 kilos of heroine with a street value estimated at 27m. Like Comments. Other messages also showed that Dowling was involved in the transfer of money to Jacob," Mr Fowler told the court. Man City receive triple boost ahead of Tottenham clash as Pep Guardiola defends recent struggles, These are your Manchester City evening headlines for Wednesday, January 18, 'Coronation Street cobbles across city would turn Salford into tourist attraction', Salford could cash in on appeal of iconic soap by rolling back the years, says councillor, Man and woman linked to Waterloo Gang jailed after turf war shootings, 'GMP will relentlessly pursue these crime gangs that are a blight on society and make people's lives a misery', Thugs used 'slam gun' to shoot man in face in brutal alleyway attack, Devastation as M&S closure 'another death blow' for Bolton, M&S announced it would be shutting up shop in Bolton town centre, Crystal Palace vs Manchester United: highlights and reaction after late equalizer. Striking nurses on the picket line were supported by drivers blaring their horns as they drove past. Dad-of-two Darren Midgley was exposed as a big time drugs boss. Crack and heroin OCG jailed for almost 18 years An organised crime group supplying class A drugs in Beswick and Manchester city centre has been jailed. The Man United winger hit the ground running when he first arrived but has struggled at times in recent months. Downfall Of Drug Kingpin In 4m Smuggling Plot Manchester Evening News "at the same time, a complex real estate business set up had been created on the costa del sol to launder the proceeds of the profits obtained from the drug smuggling. "That is indicative that the rewards were substantial.". All four men admitted conspiracy to transfer criminal property. READ MORE: Dealer locked up over Colombia to Manchester cocaine ring while others go 'scot free and spending the money'. Latif was jailed for seven years. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. Officers carried out warrants at two properties, in Burnage and Didsbury on Wednesday (January 4). North West Regional Organised Crime Unit said the arrest of the 29-year . As always you can unsubscribe at any time. A total of 13 suspected members of the international crime group have been charged following dawn raids on Tuesday, October 8, in Manchester, Stockport, St Helens, Warrington, Bolton, Dewsbury, Leeds and London.