Drug sentencing marks major blow to organised crime in East Lancashire

Today (Thursday 12 March) at Burnley Crown Court, four men have been jailed for more than 19 years as part of a NWROCU investigation into a major Class A drug conspiracy in East Lancashire.

The investigation began on 22 May 2024, when officers from Lancashire Police stopped a vehicle in Chadderton, Greater Manchester driven by Kaitlyn Cross, recovering 2kg of cocaine concealed within the vehicle.

Cross, 28, of Pinfold Lane, Stockport was jailed for two years and nine months back in September 2024 after pleading guilty to possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.

A subsequent investigation carried out by detectives from the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit (NWROCU) led to a warrant being executed on 19 June 2024 at a car garage in Burnley. Officers uncovered a sophisticated cannabis cultivation site operating across five rooms. In total, 487 cannabis plants were recovered with an estimated street value of more than £90,000.

The setup featured extensive criminal infrastructure including blackout sheeting, high‑intensity lighting, transformers, ballast boxes, fans, carbon filters and a dangerously bypassed electricity supply.

A 34-year-old man, Van Thanh Thai, of no fixed abode was located inside the premises during the warrant. He was jailed for two years at Preston Crown Court back in October 2024 for his role as ‘gardener’ in the production of cannabis.

Detectives went on to identify further individuals involved in the operation, all of whom have today faced justice for their roles in the conspiracy.

Michael Hughes, 41, of Ruskin Avenue, Colne was jailed for seven years and eight months for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs (cocaine) and conspiracy to produce Class B drugs (cannabis). Hughes acted as a key facilitator and organiser of the cannabis cultivation.

The following were jailed for conspiracy to produce Class B drugs (cannabis):

• Mohammed Imran Jamil, 35, of Alderglen Road, Cheetham Hill, Manchester
• Jailed for three years and nine months for playing a leading role in the conspiracy
• Imran Mahmood, 35, of Gartland Walk, Manchester

• Jailed for three years and nine months. Mahmood was also a facilitator and organiser of the cannabis cultivation

• Thong Nguyen, 52, of no fixed abode

• Jailed for four years for his role as a ‘gardener’

• Tymika Enyia, 35, of Aldergen Road, Cheetham Hill, Manchester

• Received a six month suspended sentence and was ordered to complete 80 hours of unpaid work. Enyia managed communications for the conspiracy when Jamil was in custody.

Detective Chief Inspector Kelly Wild from the NWROCU’s Operations Team said:

“Today’s sentences, combined with a series of substantial convictions already secured under Operation Rope, mark an important milestone in dismantling criminal groups intent on bringing harm to communities across East Lancashire and the North West. “These results demonstrate our commitment to relentlessly pursuing those involved in the supply of drugs. We will continue to target, investigate, and dismantle organised crime groups whose activities cause significant harm within our communities.”