South American crime cartels targeting Manchester as a hot spot for supplying drugs will be targeted say police, following the jailing of a man after he received a giant batch of cocaine from the continent.
Promise Ezeh, 37, of Harley Street, Manchester, received what he thought was 645.55g of cocaine from French Guiana.
After replacing the real package with a pack of sugar, Greater Manchester Police allowed the parcel to reach its destination at Warmley Road, Wythenshawe, before arresting Ezeh.
Detective Constable John Buckley said: “What this case illustrates is that organised criminal networks and cartels in South America see Manchester as a lucrative destination for supplying their drugs.
“There are willing recipients based over here who have the contacts and knowhow to arrange the shipments of these drugs into our communities.
“We will continue to target anyone, regardless of their status, who is involved in the trafficking of drugs including those who are right at the top of the tree.”
The parcel of cocaine worth £100,000 was posted to a ‘Michael Louse’ at the Warmley Road address on February 13 2013 and was discovered hidden among dried fish by officials in French Guiana.
Ezeh pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs at an earlier hearing and was jailed for nine years at Minshull Street Crown Court on Friday October 31.
Police arrested Ezeh after he signed for the parcels delivery, and also recovered a large quantity of snap bags and documentation showing transactions with World Freight and Western Union.
The swoop was part of a joint operation between GMP and authorities in South America.
DC Buckley added: “Ezeh was the willing recipient of a package of cocaine shipped from French Guiana to Manchester.
“He had no idea the package had been intercepted and the drugs replaced by sugar.
“It is clear his intention was to take delivery of more than £100,000 worth of cocaine and help distribute these drugs right here in Manchester.”
DC Buckley has promised Greater Manchester Police will continue their crackdown on the trafficking of drugs into Manchester.
