A ruthless drug gang operating across Manchester has been dismantled, with five men sentenced to a combined 42 years and four months in prison. The sentencing took place at Manchester Crown Court on Wednesday 4 January 2023.
Key figures in the gang received heavy sentences for their roles in the criminal enterprise. Illyas Abudaber, from Birchfields Road, Fallowfield, was handed 12 years. His charges included conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs, possession of a firearm and ammunition, possession with intent to supply, handling stolen goods, and dangerous driving.
Mohammed Sadigh of Quantock Street, Moss Side, was jailed for 11 years for conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs. Ebrahim Saidgh received a 7-year sentence, and Hamza Azouz of Alexandra Park was sentenced to 6 years, both for similar drug offences. Hamam Alhamruni from Ardwick was sentenced to six years and four months for conspiracy and breaching a suspended sentence.
The police crackdown began after a high-speed chase in 2017 on Wilmslow Road, Rusholme, where officers pursued and stopped a stolen vehicle. Inside, they found drugs, cash, mobile phones, and cannabis. One of the phones linked Abudaber directly to the gang’s drug network, which operated under the direction of Mohammed Sadigh.
A subsequent police chase in 2019 near Princess Parkway, Moss Side, led to the discovery of more drugs, cash, stolen goods, and a loaded, viable firearm with ammunition, revealing the gang’s dangerous arsenal. The network is believed to have distributed up to £10 million worth of drugs across Greater Manchester, with members working at various levels within the organisation.
Detective Sergeant Richard Bolt of the GMP Serious Crime Division commented, “These sentences show the huge impact this group had on Manchester’s streets. Drug dealing affects whole communities, not just dealers and users. We’ve removed drugs, cash, lethal weapons, and stolen vehicles used recklessly in high-speed pursuits, putting innocent lives at risk.”
He added, “Our long-running investigation pieced together isolated incidents to nail the higher-ups behind the street-level dealers. No one in the chain escapes police attention.”
Detective Inspector Madeline Kelly from the GMP Xcalibre Task Force said, “This is a major win for GMP and proof of our commitment to keeping the public safe by removing dangerous firearms, weapons, and drugs. We’ll keep hunting criminals across Manchester to protect our communities. Huge thanks to all officers involved in taking down the top tiers of this crime operation.”
Originally published by UKNIP.
