A man who was involved in the operation of a million-pound Class A drug ring in Oldham has been jailed on his birthday.

Nabeel Rashad, of Southbank Road, Bury, appeared at Manchester Crown Court today, Friday, after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to supply cocaine and heroin and conspiracy to money launder.

Rashad, who turns 29 today, was identified through the Encrochat communication system, popular among organised criminals.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) were able to access Encrochat data through a legal data hack to secure illicit communications, which led them to Rashad, who was using the alias 'LIMITEDTURTLE'.

The court heard how he was involved in an organised crime group's purchase of at least 15 kilos of cocaine and 9.5 kilos of heroin between April and June 2020.

Rashad was also involved in breaking down the large amounts into smaller batches which were then sold to distributors who would sell it to customers as far as Bradford and Liverpool.

On July 16, 2021, police carried out a surveillance where Rashad was found carrying two bin liners and a further bag into his home address.

More than 15 kilograms of were located and recovered in his bedroom and packaging from over 100 kilos which had been broken up.

The potential wholesale value of the 14 kilograms was £529,000, while the potential street value of the drugs identified from the kilogram packaging would be up to £3.6 million.

Rashad was sentenced by Judge Alan Conrad KC who sentenced him to 10 years in prison.

Detective Constable Marc Walby, of GMP's Serious and Organised Crime Group, said: "Our team worked meticulously with other agencies to piece together a timeline of Rashad’s actions to bring about charges and then a conviction for his crimes.

"The severity of his offences should not be underestimated, and the quantities of drugs we are talking about here are beyond substantial.

"The removal of Rashad and his associates will have a discernible difference on the streets of Oldham and across the North West."

DC Walby added that information and concerns raised by the public can help police with their investigations into drug trade and urged people to contact the police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 if they have information to share.