The men linked to organised crime now behind bars

Five men police said were linked to organised crime have been jailed after two covert GMP operations.

A judge sitting at Manchester Crown Court today (October 25) handed down sentences totalling more than 20 years after drugs and gun seizures in Greater Manchester.

Janade Parvez, 27, of Cotton Mill Crescent, Oldham, was jailed for nine years and nine months. He pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply class A drugs - crack cocaine and heroin - and two counts of being concerned in the supply of cannabis. He also admitted possession of a Colt semi-automatic pistol, said police.

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GMP said several weapons, including an air rifle, together with a large amount of cash and mobile phones were seized from Parvez's home in December 2023. A hydraulic press containing traces of heroin was also found, as well as drugs in his car.

Taylor Inman, 28, of Staley Road in Mossley, Tameside, was sentenced to 12 months in prison after pleading guilty to being concerned in the supply of cannabis. In January this year, police said drugs, cash and mobile phones were found at his address, together with two Rolex watches seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA).

Russell Bryan, 31, of Oakbridge Road, Harpurhey, Manchester, was sentenced to two years, three months after pleading guilty to the same charge as Inman. Brian Threadgale, 37, from Oldham, was jailed for five years. GMP did not specify a charge or plea.

Warren Ali, 38, of Brelade Road, Liverpool, pleaded guilty of conspiracy to supply Class B drugs, possession of Class B drugs with intent to supply and possession of criminal property. He was jailed for three years. The force said a sixth man who pleaded guilty received a conditional discharge.

The operations were codenamed Toulon and Backbone. A GMP spokesperson said: "Today's results have only reinforced our mission of identifying, locating and charging those individuals who are involved in drugs and organised crime. The illegal drug market impacts communities across Greater Manchester and is responsible for a large amount of organised crime across our area.

"This then leads to a number of other crimes, including violence, anti-social behaviour, and criminal exploitation. It also harms people’s health and wider society."