A drug operation worth £1 million was dismantled after authorities discovered illicit substances concealed in a JD Sports bag. Alan Entwistle, Stephen Findley, and William Riley have been sent to prison for their involvement in a sophisticated drug trafficking scheme that inundated the streets of Manchester with cocaine, heroin, and amphetamines. The police uncovered 3kg of cocaine hidden in a JD Sports bag during a raid at Findley’s residence in Wythenshawe. Additionally, they found 1kg of cocaine and amphetamines inside a black backpack along with drug paraphernalia like scales in the kitchen.
Following the discovery, Entwistle, accompanied by Riley and others, was observed behaving suspiciously near garages in Northenden. The trio appeared nervous and sweaty, prompting Greater Manchester Police to intervene. During the investigation, authorities seized eight bags containing approximately 1kg of brown powder each, alongside digital scales and 11kg of drug adulterants used for cutting the product.
Entwistle was identified as the individual responsible for preparing and distributing drugs to various dealers and safe houses, while Findley acted as the group’s warehouse manager, and Riley served as a street-level dealer. An expert analysis revealed that the seized drugs and adulterants, if distributed in 0.1g portions, could yield a potential profit of over £1 million from heroin alone.
The culprits were sentenced at Manchester Crown Court, with Entwistle receiving a 10-year and six-month prison term for conspiracy to supply Class A and Class B drugs, Findley sentenced to four years and four months for the same offense, and Riley jailed for five years for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs. Detective Sergeant Richard McCorry commended the police’s efforts in dismantling the drug operation and emphasized the commitment to eradicating organized crime groups involved in drug trafficking. Citizens were encouraged to report any drug-related activities in their communities to the authorities.