A group of men from Manchester who had links to Oldham have received lengthy prison sentences for drug dealing and money laundering.

On Monday (January 30) four men from across the region were jailed for a total of 35 years and eight months for the roles they played in supplying and selling drugs on the streets of Britain.

The men supplied and made illicit transactions across Manchester, including in Oldham and Cheetham Hill, but they also brought criminal activity to the streets of Liverpool, London and Middlesborough and most of the UK.

John James Reilly, also known as JJ, of Broadoak Road was jailed for 12 years for conspiracy to supply class A and B drugs, including cocaine, heroin, MDMA, Ketamine and cannabis.

The 39-year-old was also jailed for money laundering and faces the longest sentence of the group.

Mark Evans, 38, of Brows Avenue has been imprisoned for 10 years and six months for conspiracy to supply class A drugs - namely cocaine - money laundering and handling stolen goods.

Keith Kemp, 44, of Marden Road was also jailed for 10 years and six months for conspiracy to supply class A and B drugs as well as money laundering.

Caine Tanswell, 28, of Yew Tree Lane received a two-year and eight-month sentence for conspiracy to supply class B drugs - cannabis -and money laundering.

The sting came as part of GMP's Operation Venetic investigations which relates to the Encrochat mobile phone network being deciphered by the National Crime Agency (NCA).

The operation has been responsible for getting millions of pounds worth of drugs and cash off Manchester's streets.

Manchester Crown Court heard how Evans, who had the Encrochat handle 'Mangystaff', worked largely as a courier in the Cheetham Hill and Oldham areas of Manchester while also travelling to Liverpool, London and Oxford to carry out his illicit trades.

Kemp was also found to be a main conspirator and courier for his associates, often travelling to Liverpool to drop off cash, collect drugs and make deliveries in Peterborough, London, Telford, Derby and Middlesborough.

Meanwhile, Reilly who used the Encrochat handle 'Wideorchid', mostly acted alone but had connections with the rest of the group and would carry out some 'business' transactions, sourcing class A drugs for other members of the group and acting as a middleman for various drugs and money transactions.

Tanswell, who used the handle 'Ivyhawk', also acted mostly alone and purchased class B drugs from another member of the group.

Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Sergeant Andrew Beard said: "We are absolutely thrilled with today's result, which has seen four OCG members taken off the streets of Manchester for a considerable period of time.

“Since the Encrochat system was deciphered, GMP’’s Challenger Team have continued to hunt down and identify people who have been bringing drugs onto our streets and engaging in illegal activities to keep their drug supplies going.

“If you are involved in supplying drugs, money laundering or working within an organised crime group, we will identify you, arrest you and prosecute to the full extent of the law.

We want to protect the people of Greater Manchester and there is no better way to do this than to get people, likes these four individuals, off the streets and behind bars."

Mr Beard also said a lot of intelligence comes from members of the public and urged those with information relating to drug dealing or similar crimes to contact GMP on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.