A man from Trafford has been jailed for his role in a group which imported cannabis from the USA with the intent to sell it.
Andrew Dicken, of Leyburn Avenue, Urmston, appeared at Minshull Street Crown Court on Friday, January 13 after pleading guilty to conspiracy to import cannabis with the intent to avoid a prohibition.
Dicken played a role in the group, which was based in Oldham.
Between June 15, 2021, and November 6 of the same year, Border Force officials intercepted multiple packages of drugs at Heathrow Airport and the International Logistics Centre in Langley.
Jason Warren, of no fixed abode, had multiple packages sent to his property and was involved in arranging further packages to be sent to various other addresses.
On November 24, 2021, officers executed a warrant at Warren’s property on Hillside Close, Sholver, and arrested the 35-year-old.
A search of his address uncovered a firearm, amphetamine and drug paraphernalia.
An analysis of Warren's phone showed he was communicating with Corey Atkinson, of no fixed abode, who was directing Warren to collect boxes of drugs and take them to Dicken, 41, who would hand over the money.
Warren and Atkinson appeared alongside Dicken at court, as well as three other people from Oldham.
Dicken was sentenced to 21 months in prison for his charges.
Warren was sentenced to six years for conspiracy to import cannabis with the intent to avoid a prohibition, conspiracy to acquire criminal property, possession with intent to supply amphetamine and possession of a prohibited weapon.
Atkinson, 27, was sentenced to 27 months for conspiracy to import cannabis with the intent to avoid a prohibition and conspiracy to acquire criminal property.
The other three Oldhamers who were sentenced avoided immediate jail sentences.
Melanie Denson, 52, of Farm Road, Limeside, was sentenced to nine months, suspended for 18 months, for conspiracy to import cannabis with the intent to avoid a prohibition and conspiracy to acquire criminal property.
Michael Shawcross, 28, of Lees New Road, Oldham was given a community sentence order for conspiracy to import cannabis with intent to avoid a prohibition and importing a class B drug with intent to evade a prohibition.
Finally, Benjamin Harrison, 26, of Afghan Street, Oldham was sentenced to seven months, suspended for 18 months, for conspiracy to import cannabis with the intent to avoid a prohibition and importing a class B drug with intent to evade a prohibition.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here