A drug dealer, known as 'Greeneyes', led police on a high-speed chase as he reached speeds of 90mph in residential areas.

In November, 32-year-old Shabaz Ali, of Deeplish Road in Rochdale, was fleeing from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officers - who called on a helicopter for assistance.

Specially trained drivers from the force's Tactical Vehicle Intercept Unit were deployed to the borough when they spotted a 'suspicious' white VW Golf GTI on Kingsway, and when the car failed to stop, and a pursuit was authorised.

During the pursuit, Ali, also known as 'Greeneyes', reached speeds exceeding 90mph in 30mph speed limit zones, and the pursuit continued through local housing estates until Ali collided with a curb and fled by foot.

The Oldham Times: Shabaz Ali, also known as 'Greeneyes', has been sentenced to seven years in jailShabaz Ali, also known as 'Greeneyes', has been sentenced to seven years in jail (Image: GMP)

While on foot, specialist resources were deployed to the scene, and with the assistance of the National Police Air Service, officers were able to locate him hiding in the rear garden of a nearby residential property where he was arrested.

Ali pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply class A drugs, dangerous driving, and driving whilst disqualified, and has been sentenced to seven years in jail.

When officers searched the car, they found a "substantial amount of class A drugs, specifically crack cocaine and heroin", and a total of 814 individual wraps were recovered - along with an additional package containing enough heroin for a further 130 individual wraps. The total haul is valued at approximately £10,000.

Detective Sergeant Gabe Gibson, of Rochdale’s Challenger Organised Crime Team, said: “Ali's reckless actions and outrageous display of driving endangered innocent members of the public.

“The recovery of £10k worth of class A drugs showed the true nature of his greedy mindset - making vast sums of money via the abhorrent trade of selling heroin and crack cocaine on the streets of Rochdale.

“Collaboration with GMP’s Force County Lines and Tactical Vehicle Intercept Unit allowed for overwhelming evidence to be presented, ultimately leading to Ali pleading guilty."

He added: “Whilst Ali contemplates his actions over the next several years from the confines of his cell, we remain committed to relentlessly pursuing those involved in drug supply and organised crime across Rochdale.”