The 'Cali weed' gang behind £19million cannabis operation

Ten people have been sentenced to a combined total of 32 years after being linked to 28 importations, which took place between December 2022 and January 2024.

The gang members, who mainly hail from Rochdale, imported cannabis from North America, using cover stories and concealing the drugs in shipments declared as vintage clothing, according to the police

The suspicious freight movements were picked up by UK Border Force. Five shipments were intercepted and almost 130kg of cannabis was seized, worth an estimated £3.7million.

The 10 sentenced gang members are:

Dean Hussain, 26, no fixed abode – guilty of conspiracy to import a drug subject of a temporary class order with intent to evade a prohibition/restriction and has been jailed for six years and nine months.

He is described by the police as the leader of the gang and driving force behind the conspiracy.

Prince Oyewo, 27, of Dumbarton Drive, Heywood – guilty of conspiracy to import a drug subject of a temporary class order with intent to evade a prohibition/restriction and has been jailed for five years and 10 months.

Prince Genesis Oyewo (Image: GMP)

Beverley Tsimba, 25, of Lewis Drive, Rochdale – guilty of conspiracy to import a drug subject of a temporary class order with intent to evade a prohibition/restriction and has been jailed for five years and two months.

Elliot McBurnie, 25, of Claymere Avenue, Rochdale – guilty of conspiracy to import a drug subject of a temporary class order with intent to evade a prohibition/restriction and has been jailed for four years and six months.

Elliott McBurnie (Image: GMP)

Junyad Ahmed, 25, of Sladen Street, Rochdale – guilty of conspiracy to import a drug subject of a temporary class order with intent to evade a prohibition/restriction and has been jailed for two years suspended for two years.

Marshall Howarth, 21, of Darley Road, Rochdale – guilty of conspiracy to import a drug subject of a temporary class order with intent to evade a prohibition/restriction and has been jailed for 17 months suspended for two years.

Leigha Collins, 22, of Brookdale Street, Failsworth – guilty of conspiracy to import a drug subject of a temporary class order with intent to evade a prohibition/restriction and has been jailed for 18 months suspended for two years.

Ryan Brosnan, 26, of Cavendish Road, Rochdale – guilty of conspiracy to import a drug subject of a temporary class order with intent to evade a prohibition/restriction and being concerned in the supply of a Class B drugs has been jailed for 22 months suspended for two years.

Tyler McNally, 21, of Moorside, Rochdale – guilty of conspiracy to import a drug subject of a temporary class order with intent to evade a prohibition/restriction and has been jailed for 18 months suspended for two years.

Louis Dissington, 22, of Moorside, Rochdale – guilty of conspiracy to import a drug subject of a temporary class order with intent to evade a prohibition/restriction and being concerned in the supply of a Class B drugs has been jailed for 22 month suspended for two years.

The seized drugs were estimated to have a potential street value of up to £3.7 million. (Image: GMP)

Detective Constable Peter Martin from our Serious and Organised Crime Group described the group as a "highly organised and sophisticated criminal network".

He said: “The gang went to considerable lengths to disguise their activity. They created fake businesses, used stolen or borrowed identities, and attempted to make their shipments appear as ordinary as they possibly could, disguising their trade under the banner of buying vintage clothing. Where in reality, these shipments contained significant quantities of illegal drugs destined for distribution across our communities.

The operation relied on cover stories, with drugs concealed inside shipments declared as vintage clothing (Image: GMP)

“This investigation demonstrates the strength of joint working between policing and UK Border Force, enabling us to identify, intercept and dismantle a complex importation network.

“The sentence reflects the seriousness of these offences. Organised drug supply fuels wider criminality and causes significant harm to not just our communities in Greater Manchester, but communities across the country.

“We remain committed to targeting those involved at every level — from those directing operations to those who assist in carrying them out. Our message is clear: we will continue to pursue organised crime groups relentlessly and bring those responsible to justice.”