Seven jailed following 18-month operation into drug and money laundering

Seven members of an Organised Crime Group based in Oldham and Rochdale have been jailed for a combined 46 years at Manchester Crown Square Court yesterday (Friday).

The group – who operated across England and Scotland – were involved in wholesale supply of Class A and B drugs and a sophisticated money laundering operation. 

Their criminal activity spanned between January 2024 to May 2025, and saw suspects travel around Europe in luxury vehicles, showing off their lavish lifestyle that had been gained through illegal avenues. 

Throughout the investigation, significant amounts of cash and drugs were moved, including the supply of 80kg worth of cannabis valued at over £1 million. 

Sajjad Anwar of Bronte Close, Rochdale, has been jailed for three years after being found guilty of conspiracy to transfer criminal property in England. 

Umar Vakas of Rising Lane, Oldham, has been jailed for 11 years after being found guilty of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and conspiracy to supply Class B drugs in England and conspiracy to supply Class B drugs in Scotland. 

Anthony Carter of Briarwood Crescent, Stockport, has been jailed for nine years and nine months after being found guilty of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs. 

Talha Nasim of Boundary Street, Rochdale, has been jailed for two years and four months after being found guilty of conspiracy to supply Class B drugs in England and Scotland. 

Waqas Mustafa of Fitzwilliam Road, Rotherham, has been jailed for nine years and eight months after being found guilty of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and conspiracy to supply Class B drugs in England. 

Bilal Irshad of Aubrey Street, Rochdale, has been jailed for six years and eight months after being found guilty of conspiracy to transfer criminal property in England and Scotland. 

Mohamed Kayani of Shelfield Lane, Rochdale has been jailed for four years after being found guilty of conspiracy to transfer criminal property in England and Scotland. 

In August 2024 Umar Vakas, Sajjad Anwar, and Talha Nasim were observed travelling through France, Switzerland, Monaco, and Italy in luxury vehicles such as top-of-the-range Audi’s, Lamborghini’s and Mercedes. 

Later that year, investigations showed communications between Mohammed Kayani and Bilal Irshad revealed the movement of large sums of cash, including £60,000 in one transaction and further discussions involving over £100,000. 

The court heard how in February 2025 evidence linked Vakas and Nasim to the supply of high-grade “moon rock” cannabis, with videos and messages between the two confirming an 80kg deal valued at over £1 million. That same month, Kayani was stopped by officers on the M62, with a search for his vehicle uncovering more than £115,000 in cash concealed in a bag for life in a footwell behind Kayani’s seat. 

In the final months of the investigation, Bilal Irshad was arrested at an office in Salford operating under the name ZA Investments Ltd. Officers seized nearly £100,000 in cash, a safe, and a cash-counting machine. 

Further evidence showed Vakas arranging cocaine deals, which included videos of kilogram blocks of cocaine branded to indicate high purity. 

On May 8, 2025, officers executed a warrant at a property on Fitzwilliam Road in Rotherham, where Wakas Mustafa was found in possession of crack cocaine, heroin, cannabis, and cutting agents. 

Anwar had a significant role in money‑laundering network; he directed others and oversaw the movement and concealment of criminal proceeds. 

Vakas was a central figure in the drug‑supply operation; he acted as a broker arranging wholesale transactions between suppliers and buyers. He was involved in the supply of cocaine, cannabis and ketamine in England and cannabis into Scotland. 

Carter was a wholesale purchaser who received multi‑kilogram quantities of cocaine under the instruction of Vakas during a period in April 2025. 

Nasim played a key role in the supply of cannabis, including cross‑border distribution into Scotland. 

Mustafa acted as a custodian and a courier of wholesale amounts of drugs. The 33-year-old maintained detailed drug ledgers documenting transactions and quantities. He was found in possession of drugs and paraphernalia at the time of arrest. 

Irshad and Kayani together operated a sophisticated money‑laundering network using business accounts, cash‑storage locations, and structured transfers. The pair laundered between £500,000 and £2 million, with Irshad in a leading role and Kayani providing significant support. 

Detective Inspector Rick Castley from our Serious and Organised Crime Division said: “This group was a highly sophisticated outfit; they were a network with many layers where everyone played their part. From the couriers to purchasers, to laundering cash under what seemed to be, legitimate businesses. 

“The individuals involved operated across borders, using sophisticated methods to conceal their activities and avoid detection. 

“Through determination, collaboration, and intelligence-led policing, we have dismantled their network and prevented further harm that these drugs might have done to communities both here in Greater Manchester and across the United Kingdom. 

“I would like to thank all officers and partner agencies involved in hard work and dedication during the length of this investigation. The sentences that have been handed out over the past two days sends a clear message: organised crime will not be tolerated, and those who seek to profit from it will be relentlessly pursued and brought to justice.”