Over £730,000 confiscated from individuals involved in a multi-million pound cross-Pennine drugs ring

At a recent POCA (Proceeds of Crime Act) hearing at Manchester Crown Court, the Judge confiscated a total of £345,031.40 from 7 individuals involved in the drugs ring, including Bury-based sisters, Shazia and Abia Din.

Shazia Din, who used to run the criminal empire out of her shop, the Beauty Booth in Bury with her sister, Abia, had £259,079.17 confiscated, with her sister losing the sum of £49,478.45. Other Greater Manchester participants also had substantial wealth confiscated.

£736,464.30 in total has now been confiscated from 17 individuals involved in the drugs ring, including those who were instrumental in driving drugs between Manchester and Yorkshire.

The operation saw over 60 kilos of class A drugs seized – including heroin and cocaine – as well as £300,000 in cash, a hydraulic press, drugs paraphernalia, a handgun and ammunition. Members of the conspiracy were sentenced to a total of 140 years.

Following the confiscation, Detective Chief Inspector Roger Smethurst said: “We are extremely pleased with the results of the confiscation hearing, and the case as a whole.

“The officers involved have worked tirelessly to secure convictions against instrumental members of an organised crime group operating out of Greater Manchester.

“We hope that this serves as a reminder to anyone that we continue to investigate and secure convictions in large-scale drugs operations.”

Greater Manchester Police can be contacted via gmp.police.uk or 101. In an emergency, always dial 999. Information about crime can also be shared anonymously via the independent charity – Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Proceeds of crime is the term given to money or assets gained by criminals during the course of their criminal activity. The authorities, including the CPS, have powers to seek to confiscate these assets so that crime doesn’t pay. By taking out the profits that fund crime, we can help disrupt the cycle and prevent further offences.