Huge UK drug gang caught after ‘showing off’ by driving Lamborghinis in Monaco | UK | News

A major drug gang based in Manchester has been jailed after “flaunting” their illegal lifestyle while driving Lamborghinis in Monaco.

Seven members of the organized crime group, based in Oldham and Rochdale, were sentenced to a total of 46 years in prison at Manchester Crown Square Court on 29 May. Operating in England and Scotland, this group was involved in the wholesale supply of Class A and B drugs and a complex money laundering operation. A significant amount of cash and drugs were moved throughout the investigation, including 80kg of cannabis valued at over £1 million.

The criminal activities lasted from January 2024 to May 2025, and the suspects were seen flaunting their illegally acquired lavish lifestyles by traveling around Europe in luxury vehicles.

Seven members were jailed for various sentences: Sajjad Anwar, of Bronte Close, Rochdale; Umar Dokus, of Rising Lane, Oldham; Anthony Carter of Briarwood Crescent, Stockport; Talha Nasim, of Boundary Street, Rochdale, Waqas Mustafa, of Fitzwilliam Road, Rotherham; Bilal Irshad, of Aubrey Street, Rochdale; and Mohamed Kayani, of Shelfield Lane, Rochdale.

Detective Inspector Rick Castley, of Greater Manchester Police’s serious and organized crime section, said: “This group was an extremely complex team, a network of many layers with everyone playing their part.

“From couriers to buyers to money laundering under seemingly legitimate businesses. The individuals involved were operating across borders, using sophisticated methods to conceal their activities and avoid detection.

“Through determination, co-operation and intelligence-led policing we have dismantled their network and prevented further harm that these drugs could cause to communities both here in Greater Manchester and across the UK.”

He thanked police officers and partner agencies for their hard work and dedication throughout this investigation.

“The sentences handed down in the last two days send a clear message: Organized crime will not be tolerated, and those who want to profit from it will be relentlessly pursued and brought to justice.”

Police said that in August 2024, Davas, Anwar and Nasim were observed traveling in France, Switzerland, Monaco and Italy in luxury vehicles such as top-of-the-range Audi, Lamborghini and Mercedes.

Together, Irshad and Kayani operated a sophisticated money laundering network using trading accounts, cash storage locations and structured transfers. The duo laundered between £500,000 and £2 million, with Irshad taking the lead and Kayani providing significant support.

Anwar had a key role in the money laundering network, directing others and overseeing the movement and concealment of criminal proceeds; Davas was classified as a central figure in the drug supply operation, acting as a broker arranging wholesale transactions between suppliers and buyers.

Carter was a wholesale buyer who purchased multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine at the direction of Başkas at a period in April 2025; Nasim, meanwhile, played a key role in the supply of cannabis, including cross-border distribution into Scotland.

Mustafa was working as the custodian and courier of bulk quantities of drugs. The 33-year-old kept detailed medication books documenting transactions and quantities. He was found to be in possession of drugs and paraphernalia during the arrest.

sentences

• Sajjad Anwar (23/03/1991), of Bronte Close, Rochdale, was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment after being found guilty of conspiracy to transfer criminal property in England.
• Umar Olays (16/02/1996), of Rising Lane, Oldham, was sentenced to 11 years in prison after being found guilty of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs, conspiracy to supply Class B drugs in England and conspiracy to supply Class B drugs in Scotland.
• Anthony Carter (03/06/1973), of Briarwood Crescent, Stockport, was sentenced to nine years and nine months in prison after being found guilty of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.
• Talha Nasim (27/01/1993), of Boundary Street, Rochdale, was sentenced to two years and four months in prison after being found guilty of conspiracy to supply Class B drugs in England and Scotland.
• Waqas Mustafa (15/10/1992), of Fitzwilliam Road, Rotherham, was sentenced to nine years and eight months in prison after being found guilty of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and conspiracy to supply Class B drugs in England.
• Bilal Irshad (13/03/1993), of Aubrey Street, Rochdale, was sentenced to six years and eight months’ imprisonment after being found guilty of conspiracy to transfer criminal property in England and Scotland.
• Mohamed Kayani (04/10/1992), of Shelfield Lane, Rochdale, was sentenced to four years in prison after being found guilty of conspiracy to transfer criminal property in England and Scotland.