Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Thursday 20th March 2025, at 15:45hrs
A complex money laundering and drug supply operation has been dismantled, resulting in the jailing of four men for a combined total of 25 years.
The investigation, which spanned over two years, began with a routine traffic stop and uncovered a sophisticated criminal network involved in the importation and distribution of cannabis, as well as the laundering of illicit profits through legitimate businesses.
The investigation was triggered on August 24, 2022, when a Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officer spotted a damaged and suspiciously driven VW Golf on Pilkington Way.
The driver, Zahid Bashir, attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended. A search of the vehicle revealed £23,510 in cash, leading to Bashir’s arrest on suspicion of money laundering.
Further investigation of Bashir’s seized mobile phones revealed a network of contacts, including an individual known as “SLUG” or “W,” later identified as Wasim Ali.
Messages uncovered a large-scale cannabis importation operation from Albania, with Ali orchestrating the distribution throughout the Northwest of England.
Detectives discovered that Ali and Bashir had taken a holiday to Spain together, further solidifying their connection.
Evidence also pointed to Ali’s use of former takeaway restaurants to launder the proceeds of the drug trade.
The investigation also identified Imran Aslam, known as “MANNY,” who was responsible for managing the money, payments, and loans within the operation.
On January 3, 2023, GMP executed simultaneous warrants at addresses in Bury, arresting Bashir and Aslam.
During the searches, police seized cannabis, mobile phones, designer clothing, cash, and gold jewellery.
A deposit box linked to Aslam was also found to contain £15,000 in cash.
The following day, Wasim Ali was apprehended at the Port of Dover while attempting to flee to France. His mobile phones revealed a group chat detailing the collection and delivery of drugs, and conversations with Mohammed Bilal, who managed the day-to-day operations of the organised crime group (OCG).
Bilal was arrested on February 27, 2023, following a warrant at his home address, where further evidence of drug supply and money laundering was seized.
On Friday, March 14, the four men were sentenced at Manchester Crown Court:
* Wasim Ali, 35, of Derwent Drive, Bury, was sentenced to 14 years after pleading guilty to conspiracy to supply class A and class B drugs.
* Zahid Bashir, 44, of Canon Street, Bury, was sentenced to four years and six months after pleading guilty to money laundering and being concerned in the supply of class B drugs.
* Mohammed Bilal, 30, of Sanderson Street, Bury, was sentenced to three years after pleading guilty to being concerned in the supply of class B drugs and money laundering.
* Imran Aslam, 43, of Derwent Drive, Bury, was sentenced to four years after being found guilty of money laundering and being concerned in the supply of class B drugs.
Detective Inspector Sarah Langley of GMP’s Economic Crime Unit, said:
“This investigation uncovered a sophisticated drugs operation which was designed to be concealed in several legitimate businesses.
Although money laundering can be masked as a victimless crime, these men used the proceeds of their drug operation to fund further violence in our communities.
We are dedicated to relentlessly pursuing and disrupting those who attempt to flood Greater Manchester with drugs and will do all we can to bring those involved to justice.”
GMP encourages anyone with information about drug activity in their area to report it online or via their LiveChat service.
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