A local organised crime leader has been given an eight-year prison sentence following an investigation by Greater Manchester Police that uncovered a drug preparation room and substantial quantities of cocaine and cash in the Wigan borough.
Police raids in Atherton uncover drugs operation
Warrants carried out by the Wigan Challenger team in September at a property on Market Street, Atherton, led to the discovery of a room being used to process and package Class A drugs. Officers found equipment and stock consistent with largescale supply, including scales and hundreds of individual packets ready for sale.
| Seized item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Snap bags of cocaine | 350+ |
| Cocaine (heat-sealed packages) | 708g |
| Cocaine (cling film) | 145g |
| Cash recovered (initial raid) | £9,000+ |
| Cash recovered later | £5,000 |
Mobile phone analysis carried out by investigators identified Muharem Hekali, 28, of Connington Avenue, Harpurhey, as the coordinator of the operation, directing dealers and monitoring stock levels. He was arrested in February after further warrants produced additional quantities of cocaine and concealed cash.
“This sentencing reflects the seriousness of Hekali’s actions and the harm that drug supply brings to our communities.”
The scale of activity attributed to the group was considerable. Police estimated Hekali was responsible for producing in excess of 53,400 snap bags of cocaine, with a projected street value of more than £1.67 million. Prosecutors brought charges including conspiracy to supply a Class A drug, possession with intent to supply and handling criminal property.
Co-defendants previously jailed
Two other members of the organised crime group, both linked to Market Street in Atherton, were sentenced earlier. Nikolaos Giousoufidis, 40, and Christos Kompos, 46, received custodial terms of three and a half years after pleading guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine and possession of criminal property.
- Evidence seized included drug packaging, scales and dealer rotas indicating systematic distribution.
- Significant cash sums were recovered, some concealed within domestic furniture.
- Forensic examination of mobile phones provided the investigative leads that identified the network’s leadership.
The Wigan Challenger team — a unit focused on disrupting county lines and organised supply — described the outcome as the culmination of sustained investigative work. Det Sgt Matt Higham emphasised the force’s commitment to removing harmful substances from the streets and bringing offenders to justice.
Sentencing took place at Bolton Crown Court where Hekali pleaded guilty to the charges brought against him. The case highlights continued policing efforts across the borough to tackle drug supply and related criminal activity that can blight neighbourhoods.
Residents with information about drug dealing or related offences are encouraged to contact Greater Manchester Police or Crimestoppers. Local officers say intelligence from the public remains an important element in identifying and dismantling networks operating within the borough.
This prosecution follows a broader pattern of targeted enforcement in Wigan borough aimed at disrupting organised crime and reducing the availability of Class A drugs on local streets.
