A group of six people, including several Oldhamers, have been sentenced for their roles in the importation of cannabis from the United States.
Between June 15, 2021, and November 6 of the same year, Border Force officials intercepted multiple packages of drugs at Heathrow Airport and the International Logistics Centre in Langley.
Jason Warren, of no fixed abode, had multiple packages sent to his property and was involved in arranging further packages to be sent to various other addresses.
On November 24, 2021, officers executed a warrant at Warren’s property on Hillside Close, Sholver, and arrested the 35-year-old.
A search of his address uncovered a firearm, amphetamine and drug paraphernalia.
An analysis of Warren's phone showed he was communicating with Corey Atkinson, of no fixed abode, who was directing Warren to collect boxes of drugs and take them to Andrew Dicken, of Leyburn Avenue, Urmston, who would hand over the money.
At Minshull Street Crown Court on Friday, January 13, the three men were sentenced along with three other Oldhamers who were involved.
All the defendants had pleaded guilty to various charges.
Warren was sentenced to six years for conspiracy to import cannabis with the intent to avoid a prohibition, conspiracy to acquire criminal property, possession with intent to supply amphetamine and possession of a prohibited weapon.
Atkinson, 27, was sentenced to 27 months for conspiracy to import cannabis with the intent to avoid a prohibition and conspiracy to acquire criminal property.
Dicken, 41, was sentenced to 21 months for conspiracy to import cannabis with the intent to avoid a prohibition.
The other three Oldhamers who were sentenced avoided immediate jail sentences.
Melanie Denson, 52, of Farm Road, Limeside, was sentenced to nine months, suspended for 18 months, for conspiracy to import cannabis with the intent to avoid a prohibition and conspiracy to acquire criminal property.
Michael Shawcross, 28, of Lees New Road, Oldham was given a community sentence order for conspiracy to import cannabis with intent to avoid a prohibition and importing a class B drug with intent to evade a prohibition.
Finally, Benjamin Harrison, 26, of Afghan Street, Oldham was sentenced to seven months, suspended for 18 months, for conspiracy to import cannabis with the intent to avoid a prohibition and importing a class B drug with intent to evade a prohibition.
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