Drugs gang led by shadowy Dubai kingpin is smashed following five-month undercover op
Five people have been jailed
Five members of an international drugs gang led by a shadowy Dubai-based leader have been jailed after undercover cops watched them pedalling at least 80 kilos of cocaine, heroin and cannabis.
The Manchester-based gang was being directed by a mystery sixth figure who controlled operations from Dubai, the wealthy capital of the United Arab Emirates, according to police.
The boss of the outfit was never properly named in messages uncovered by detectives - instead he was referred to only as 'Hamas' or 'Sinwar'.
Police began a covert four-month investigation into the gang in February which led to five members of the gang being handed jail sentences for their part in drugs supply operation yesterday (Thursday February 5, 2026).
The op revealed the gang was involved in the supply of 46 kilos of cocaine, four kilos of heroin and 30 kilos of cannabis during the period. When police finally swooped, cops seized drugs and more than £50,000 in cash.
David Austin, 40, of St Bartholomew’s Drive, Salford, controlled the safehouses and coordinated the couriers. He was jailed for 13 years and six months after a jury convicted him of conspiracy to supply cocaine, heroin and cannabis.
Michael Creag, 60, of Alexandra Grove, Irlam, acted as a courier for the gang. He was jailed for nine years after being convicted conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis.
Richard Bass, 22, of Tame Street, Denton, also acted as a courier as well as being involved in long distance drug deliveries for the gang. He was jailed for eight years and three months after he was convicted of conspiracy to supply cocaine, heroin and cannabis.
Mala Patel, 57, of Carr Green, Lowton, also worked as a courier for the gang. She was jailed for seven years and four months after being convicted of conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis.
Carrie Anderson, 39, of Delamere Avenue, Swinton, was a local distributor and cash collector for the gang. She was jailed for four years and four months after being convicted of conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis.
Police had arrested other gang members earlier but the gang continued to supply drugs with new personnel using the same vehicles, routes and customers.
After key members of the gang were jailed, Detective Sergeant Richard McCorry, of GMP's 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."