Manchester drug gang jailed for more than 40 years after covert police operation

Five members of a Manchester-based organised crime group have been jailed for a combined total of more than 40 years following a five-month covert police investigation into large-scale drug trafficking across the UK.

The sentences were handed down yesterday (Thursday 5 February 2026) after officers from the Serious Organised Crime Unit dismantled a sophisticated network responsible for supplying multi-kilo quantities of Class A and B drugs.

The investigation, which ran from February to June 2025, followed earlier operations that had disrupted the same group. Despite previous arrests, the network continued operating by recruiting new members and reusing the same vehicles, routes and customers.

Police seized more than £50,000 in cash during the operation and uncovered evidence that the group had supplied 46 kilos of cocaine, 68 pounds of cannabis and 4.5 kilos of heroin.

At the centre of the operation was David Austin (16/11/1985), of St Bartholomew’s Drive, Salford, who controlled drug safehouses and coordinated couriers. He was convicted of conspiracy to supply cocaine, heroin and cannabis and jailed for 13 years and six months.

Michael Creag (29/04/1965), of Alexandra Grove, Irlam, acted as a long-distance courier and was jailed for nine years for conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis. Richard Bass (17/04/1993), of Tame Street, Denton, was also a courier involved in nationwide deliveries and received a sentence of eight years and three months for conspiracy to supply cocaine, heroin and cannabis.

Mala Patel (03/02/1969), of Carr Green, Lowton, was jailed for seven years and four months after acting as a courier supplying cocaine and cannabis. Carrie Anderson (21/02/1986), of Delamere Avenue, Swinton, was a local distributor and cash collector and was sentenced to four years and four months.

Officers also identified an unidentified Dubai-based figure, referred to by the group as “Hamas” or “Sinwar”, who directed the movement and distribution of drugs across the UK. He remains outstanding.

The investigation began on 18 February 2025 with surveillance on Creag, who was seen travelling regularly to locations including Manchester, Bolton, Plymouth, Chester and Coventry to conduct drug exchanges. He often travelled with Patel and was rewarded with vehicles purchased by the group and large cash payments.

Police later identified Austin as the controller of the main safehouse and supplier of cocaine. On several occasions, officers observed drugs and cash being moved between members, including deliveries involving Bass from Denton.

On 3 April, Creag was stopped by police on Oldfield Road in Salford and arrested with around 11.5 kilos of cannabis in his car. Following his arrest, officers observed Austin and Patel hurriedly removing suspected drugs from the Salford safehouse.

Further surveillance and phone evidence revealed continued large-scale supply, including a 15-kilo cocaine restock directed by “Sinwar” and cash collections totalling up to £50,000.

Creag and Patel were later arrested in Coventry while in possession of drugs during a courier journey. Austin was arrested shortly afterwards in Eccles, where officers seized large amounts of cash, scales and two kilos of cocaine from his vehicle.

Detective Sergeant Richard McCorry, from the Serious Organised Crime Division, said: “Today’s results are a culmination of tireless work from our team to dismantle a dangerous network piece by piece.

“This group operated on a highly sophisticated level using encrypted phones, code names, and a network of couriers and safe houses to move vast quantities of drugs and thousands of pounds.

“This case highlights the importance of collaboration across law enforcement and the value of intelligence-led policing. We are sending a clear message: if you are involved in organised crime, we will find you, we will catch you, and we will bring you to justice.”