Mohammed Rahman Flooded the Streets of Oldham with Drugs
A Rising Drug Empire
In a shocking turn of events, Mohammed Rahman, described as an ‘out of his depth’ drugs boss, orchestrated a significant drug operation that flooded the streets of Oldham with heroin and cocaine. This operation, which amassed a staggering £750,000, began as a solo endeavor but quickly spiraled out of control as demand surged.
The Formation of a Drug Syndicate
Initially, Rahman managed the drug line alone, but as his phone became inundated with calls from eager customers, he realized he needed help. To manage the growing demand, he enlisted the help of four associates: Mohammed Amman, 25; Jamal Ali, 22; Anwar Ali, 40; and Jason Wakeford, 52. This ragtag group formed a makeshift syndicate, but their operation was short-lived, as police intervention soon brought it crashing down.
The Police Operation
The Manchester Crown Court revealed that the drug conspiracies ran from October 2023 to May 2024. Rahman’s operation, known as the ‘Moe’ drugs line, utilized two mobile phones to handle thousands of customer calls. Authorities estimated that the line had supplied at least seven kilos of Class A drugs, valued at approximately £750,000. Rahman was at the helm, exerting control over his fellow conspirators.
Roles Within the Syndicate
Each member of the group had a specific role. Amman served as Rahman’s second-in-command, while Jamal Ali acted as a street dealer. Anwar Ali took on the role of driver, facilitating the movement of drugs, and Wakeford, an addict, allowed his home to be used as a storage facility in exchange for drugs and a reduction in his debts.
The Arrest and Seizure
On May 30, 2024, police executed a raid, arresting all four men involved in the operation. During the raid, authorities discovered £41,232 in cash at Rahman’s residence, while Jamal Ali had £1,560 in his possession. The scale of the operation and the amount of cash seized underscored the seriousness of their crimes.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
In court, Rahman’s defense attorney, Alex Bennie, acknowledged that while Rahman ran the drugs line, it was “not particularly sophisticated.” He pointed out that Rahman had even used the drugs line phone to contact the police after a road traffic incident, highlighting his lack of caution. Bennie described Rahman as someone who was “not particularly feared or respected” and who had turned to dealing to pay off debts accrued from his own drug use.
The other defendants also had their stories. Amman, who had previously worked in warehouses, found himself unable to continue legitimate work after an accident. Jamal Ali, with no prior convictions, expressed remorse and reflected on his actions. Anwar Ali’s involvement stemmed from his own struggles with addiction, while Wakeford lamented the years lost to drug dependency.
Sentences Imposed
The court handed down significant sentences to each of the conspirators. Mohammed Rahman received 11 years in prison for conspiring to supply cocaine and heroin, along with possessing criminal property. Mohammed Amman was sentenced to eight years for multiple drug-related offenses, including possessing a weapon. Jamal Ali received five years, Anwar Ali was sentenced to three years and six months, and Jason Wakeford faced seven years behind bars.
Conclusion
The downfall of Mohammed Rahman and his associates serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of drug trafficking and the devastating impact it has on communities. As Oldham grapples with the aftermath of this operation, the legal repercussions faced by these individuals highlight the ongoing battle against drug-related crime in the region. The case underscores the importance of law enforcement efforts in dismantling drug networks and protecting communities from the scourge of addiction and crime.