Drugs line in Greater Manchester destroyed seeing eight be sentenced today

Today (3 September 2026) eight members of an organised crime group (OCG) responsible for the supply of Class A and B drugs across Greater Manchester have been jailed at Manchester Crown Court.

Operation Bedham, led by the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit, dismantled the network responsible for distributing cocaine and cannabis through a trusted team of dealers and associates.

All defendants plead guilty in court.

Rezart Balesi, 44, of Caldy Drive, Ramsbottom was jailed for 7 years 6 months for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs. He was a significant member of the OCG and had linked businesses which were used by the members. 

Refail Balesi, 39, of Links View Court, Whitefield was jailed for 5 years 3 months for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs. He played a key role in the day-to-day management of the drugs line, regularly directing street dealers and controlling the distribution network.

Joshua Balesi, 22, of Hazelwood Drive, Bury was jailed for 4 years for conspiracy to supply Class A. He was identified periodically controlling the groups drugs line as well as his own. He would direct dealers and assist in the distribution of cocaine.

Fatos Vrenezi, 53, of Sunny Bank Road, Bury was jailed for 4 years for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs. Vrenezi was identified as a significant member of the group, he was regularly directed by senior members to conduct drug preparations and deliveries.

Lorenzo Canovi, 48, of Lune Close, Whitefield was jailed for 3 years 1 month for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs. Canovi was identified as a street dealer within the OCG. He would regularly update senior members of the group on the sales figures, cash collections and drug supplies.

Fjoraldo Lukaj, 31, of Albert Avenue, Hull, was jailed for 3 years 6 months for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs. Lukaj was identified as a street dealer who carried our deliveries throughout the conspiracy.

Imanuel Lumaj, 30, of Heathway, Dagenham, was jailed for 3 years 9 months for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs. Lumaj was a significant member of the OCG operating as a trusted member and a street dealer. He was regularly tasked with distributing cocaine, collecting cash, and supporting the OCG’s wider criminal activity.

Antonino Precaj, 33, of Great North Road, Barnet was jailed 2 years 3 months for concerned in the production of Class B drugs namely cannabis. Precaj was a key member of the OCG assisting in the establishment and maintenance of the cannabis cultivation site, including facilitating the movement of individuals involved in cannabis production.

In August 2026, Megi Zaimi, 32, of Mandon Close plead guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs. She was sentenced for two years and one month suspended for two years, 10 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 100 hours of unpaid work. She assisted the OCG and had involvement with the wider criminal enterprise.

Detective Inspector Michael Robinson from the NWROCU said:

“This was a lengthy and complex investigation, but the results speak for themselves. Through months of dedication and determination, officers dismantled a significant organised crime group that was causing considerable harm to our communities.

"Let this serve as a warning to those who seek to flood our streets with drugs. We remain committed to targeting individuals who profit from the exploitation and misery of others. We will relentlessly pursue those involved in organised crime and bring them to justice.”