Call centre crime group who sold drugs across North West jailed
The drugs they supplied are valued at more than £2m
An organised crime group who ran a call centre that sold Class A drugs across the North West have been jailed for almost 50 years.
They supplied drugs worth more than £2million.
The call centre ran for 24 hours a day, seven days a week in a flat or house.
People would ring one phone to order drugs and another was used to send couriers to deliver them.
The group was dismantled after an investigation by Lancashire Police.
The five main members have been jailed for nearly 35 years between them after being found guilty of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.
Bekim Hasmegaj, 35, of Marchwood Close, Blackroad was the leading player. He's been sentenced to ten years in jail.
Albi Hoxhaj, 25, of Lowfield Road, Stockport, who staffed the call centre, has been jailed for five years and ten months.
Klevis Prenci, 33, formerly of Lee Lane, Horwich, has been jailed for four years and two months. That's on top of a previous sentence of three years and nine months for possession with intent to supply.
He was the 'middle-man', responsible for portioning the drugs into deals, collecting cash and restocking the couriers.
Altin Nikolli, 37, of Anglebank, Horwich, has been sentenced to five years and six months in prison. He was involved in staffing the call centre and looking after new couriers.
Aurel Hila, 39, of Austin Street, Leigh, also played a role. He fled the country and has been jailed for five years in his absence.
Five others who acted as couriers have been jailed for 14 years and two months for possession with intent to supply.
The total jail time is 48 years and two months.
Detective Inspector Fiona Jackson, of Lancashire Police, said:
"These significant sentences come as a result of a complex investigation by our officers and staff and I would like to thank them for their professionalism and hard work in bringing down this OCG.
"We will continue to relentlessly pursue those involved in organised crime, disrupting and dismantling their operations.
"We will ensure those involved in serious and organised crime do not benefit financially from their activities by attacking their finances, making it harder to move, hide and use the proceeds of crime.
"We need the public's help to combat serious and organised crime. If you know something, do something. Call us on 101 or independent charity Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111. Giving information is always 100 per cent anonymous and secure. You may even receive a reward for your information if it leads to an arrest and charges.
"People in Lancashire should be reassured that we are doing everything possible to bring offenders to justice and keep our local communities safe from serious and organised crime."