Off-the-streets — value priceless
Date published: 01 November 2010
MEMBERS of an Oldham gang responsible for a multi-million-pound drug smuggling operation have been jailed for a total of 46 years.
More than £2.5 million worth of Class A drugs including heroin and cocaine and £39,000 in cash were seized during a massive police operation.
The investigation — code-named Operation Walrus — was launched in June, 2008, after a landlord found drugs at a house in Netherhey Street, Abbeyhills. It was being rented by Anthony Fagan (38).
Officers then discovered a house in Chamber Road, Werneth, which was being used as a drugs factory.
The fingerprints of Fagan and Mohammed Abbas (25) of Bobbin Walk, Glodwick, were found inside and an investigation was launched by detectives from GMP’s Drugs Unit.
It soon became apparent that Mohammed Farid (37), of Wellington Road, Coppice, was at the head of the group. He masqueraded as a local businessman, with a café, car hire business and kitchen company to his name.
Investigations led to large cannabis farms being discovered at properties in Failsworth and Hathershaw. In April, 2009, Abbas and Abdul Rashid (33), of Rochdale Road, Coldhurst, were seen going into a flat in Stockfield Mount, Chadderton, with two large bags.
It was there they met three other men and cut a large amount of heroin with another substance.
Abbas and Rashid then left with the two bags. Their car was stopped by police in Garforth Street, Chadderton. Officers found 15 kilos of heroin with an estimated street value of £1.5 million.
A search was carried out at the flat and the other men were arrested.
More drugs and items used to mix the heroin were found.
A further warrant was executed at a house in Briarmere Walk, Chadderton, the home of Esak Ali (32).
Around 10 kilos of heroin with an estimated street value of £1 million were found in a locked cabinet.
In May, 2009, Rashid and Mohammed Zubair (31), of Edward Street, Werneth, went to Farid’s home and collected a package.
Rashid then drove to Napier Street, Clarksfield, where he met Scott Massaro, from Bristol.
He placed one bag into Massaro’s car and removed another.
Massaro drove off and was stopped at Knutsford Services in Cheshire. Cocaine worth £25,000 and £200,000 in heroin were seized.
Officers executed a warrant at Farid’s house. The bag taken from Massaro’s car was found with £24,500 cash inside.
Detective Sergeant Martin Hopkinson, from GMP’s Drugs Unit, said: “The sheer volume of drugs recovered reflect how big Farid’s criminal enterprise was.
“I am delighted we have been able to smash it.
“I would like to commend all the officers who worked tirelessly on this investigation for months to secure such compelling evidence that all the defendants have admitted their involvement.”
