'Absolute stocked the **** up...got beltin' deals on': Phone messages that brought down a drugs empire

A drugs gang which flooded the streets of Greater Manchester with cocaine was brought down after police discovered messages advertising 'beltin deals' to customers.

Daniel Degisi headed up the huge operation, which used a network of street dealers. Zach Hall was second in line and supplied those further down the chain with the drugs.

Hamza Iftikar and Richard Cranston were responsible for selling the product, while Jaymie Dawson and Michelle Richardson stashed the drugs in their homes.

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Analysis of Dawson’s phones showed she was also responsible for sending bulk messages out daily to customers, including ‘New gear in for xmas! Absolute stocked the **** up so all hours’ and ‘beltin deals still on aswell’.

Degisi, 37, tried to keep the operation at arm’s length, but detectives from GMP's Serious Organised Crime Group (SOCG) were able to pinpoint his every move and link him to the conspiracy.

Following a number of raids in 2021, police discovered the group were cutting their drugs and mixing them with unknown materials to increase their profits. This was evident from the volume of drugs paraphernalia found at their properties, including scales and mixing bowls.

Six members of the gang were jailed at Manchester Crown Court on Thursday (March 23).

Daniel Degisi, of Dukes Rise, Bury, has been jailed for 11 years and eight months years after being found guilty of conspiracy to supply class A drug.

Zach Hall, 28, of Newfield View, Milnrow, Rochdale, has been jailed for nine years and four months after being found guilty of conspiracy to supply class A drugs.

Michelle Richardson, 38, of Sunfield Way, Oldham, has been jailed for five years and four