Five jailed in Oldham county lines case after GMP crackdown 2026

Key Points

• FIVE men from Oldham have been jailed for a total of over 31 years for their part in operating a county line drugs network.
• Each of Rakib Miah and Adil Ahsan got 8 years 3 months, while Adil Rehan got 5 years 6 months. The two others, Mohamed Shaffial Aloom and Juher Kamaly, got 4 years 6 months each.
• They were part of “Tony” and “Ali” drug lines which were active in Oldham from September 2024 to March 2026.
• They were all convicted of conspiracy to supply class A drugs and were sentenced on 3 September 2026 at Bolton Crown Court.
• The five men were arrested on 4 March 2026 in County Lines Intensification Week, during which there were 30 warrants issued, 40 arrests and closure of 20 drug lines within Greater Manchester.
• During the arrest, police found drugs-line handsets, quantities of heroin and crack cocaine, money and digital evidence of the operation.
• Det Con Bennett said that the sentencing had put out of action a dangerous drugs-line operation.

Oldham (Manchester Mirror) September 04, 2026 – Five men who ran a county lines drugs network that flooded Oldham’s streets with crack cocaine and heroin have been jailed for a combined total of more than 31 years.

The sentences were handed down at Bolton Crown Court after the group was arrested on 4 March 2026 during a series of warrants executed as part of County Lines Intensification Week, according to a statement from Greater Manchester Police (GMP). All five were found guilty of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.

Who were the five men sentenced in Oldham?

The five defendants, all from Oldham, received the following sentences on 3 September 2026:

• Rakib Miah, 22, of Davies Street, Oldham – 8 years 3 months
• Adil Ahsan, 24, of Eden Street, Oldham – 8 years 3 months
• Adil Rehan, 24, of Redgrave Street, Oldham – 5 years 6 months
• Mohamed Shaffial Aloom, 24, of Mitchell Street, Oldham – 4 years 6 months
• Juher Kamaly, 24, of Broadway, Chadderton, Oldham – 4 years 6 months

As reported in GMP’s press release, the sentences followed convictions for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs linked to two dedicated drugs lines known internally as “Tony” and “Ali”.

How did the “Tony” and “Ali” drugs lines operate?

According to GMP, the “Tony” and “Ali” lines operated across Oldham between September 2024 and March 2026, supplying crack cocaine and heroin into local communities. Officers said the group ran a sophisticated network that regularly changed drug-line phone numbers while maintaining the same customer base, operating patterns and supply routes to evade detection.

Analysis of mobile phones, telecommunications data and digital downloads revealed how senior members of the group directed runners on the streets and coordinated the supply of Class A drugs across the borough, the force said.

What evidence was recovered during the raids?

During the execution of warrants on 4 March 2026, officers recovered dedicated drugs-line handsets, significant quantities of Class A drugs, cash and messages detailing the day-to-day operation of the network, GMP stated.

In one incident described by the force, Adil Ahsan attempted to evade arrest by fleeing through the rear of a property. Officers, supported by GMP’s Drone Unit, quickly tracked and detained him before he could escape. A business premises linked to Ahsan was also searched, where officers recovered a phone connected to the active “Ali” drugs line alongside large quantities of heroin and cocaine packaged and ready for onward street supply.

What did police say about the impact of county lines?

Detective Constable Bennett, from GMP’s County Lines Team in the Serious and Organised Crime Unit, said: “These sentences have removed a dangerous county lines network that operated across Oldham for more than a year, supplying significant quantities of crack cocaine and heroin into our communities.”

“Behind every drugs line are real victims. County lines networks thrive on the exploitation of vulnerable adults and children, drawing people into criminality, fuelling addiction and bringing violence and fear into our neighbourhoods.”

“As detectives, the team and I take immense pride in tackling this type of offending head-on. We understand the devastating impact organised crime has on our communities, and we are committed to identifying those responsible, dismantling their networks and bringing them before the courts.”

“This investigation exposed a clear hierarchy, with those at the top directing others to distribute drugs on the streets while profiting from the misery caused to local communities.”

“The information we receive from members of the public is vital in helping us tackle this type of offending. Community intelligence helps us build a clearer picture of organised crime groups operating in our neighbourhoods and enables us to take action against those responsible.”

“The arrests in this case formed part of County Lines Intensification Week in March 2026, which saw officers across Greater Manchester target organised criminals, close down drugs lines and safeguard people at risk of exploitation.”

“Today’s result demonstrates our continued determination to pursue those involved in organised criminality, dismantle harmful drugs networks and make our communities safer.”

“You can contact us on 101, always call 999 in an emergency, or provide information anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

What happened during County Lines Intensification Week?

GMP said the arrests in this case formed part of County Lines Intensification Week in March 2026. During that week alone, officers executed 30 warrants, made 40 arrests and shut down 20 active drugs lines, with the “Tony” and “Ali” lines among those dismantled.

The force described county lines offending as having a “devastating impact on neighbourhoods”, saying it preys on vulnerable people, fuels addiction, drives violence and anti-social behaviour, and leaves communities living with the consequences of organised criminality.

What support is available for victims of exploitation?

GMP directed members of the public to several support and information resources:

• Programme Challenger on the GMP website, which outlines signs to look out for in relation to county lines exploitation.
• Catch22, a specialist support and rescue service for young people and their families who are criminally exploited through county lines.
• Safecall, which offers a safe space for people affected by exploitation to talk about their experiences in confidence and can provide reassurance, support and help formulate a plan.
• Fearless, via Crimestoppers, for young people to access non-judgemental information and advice.
• The National Crime Agency County Lines website, which explains more about county lines and indicators of exploitation in local areas.
• The Safeguarding Network, which provides tips for understanding indicators of exploitation and what may make a young person more vulnerable to being exploited.

Background: How did this case develop after the arrests?

Following the arrests on 4 March 2026, investigators conducted extensive digital forensics on seized devices and analysed telecommunications data to map the structure of the network, according to GMP. The force said this work exposed a clear hierarchy, with senior figures directing street-level distribution while profiting from the trade.

The case proceeded through the courts, with all five defendants ultimately found guilty of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs. Sentencing took place on 3 September 2026 at Bolton Crown Court, where the judge handed down custodial terms totalling more than 31 years. GMP said the outcome reflected the seriousness of the offending and the harm caused to Oldham communities by the sustained supply of crack cocaine and heroin.

Prediction: How could these sentences affect Oldham residents and county lines activity?

These sentences are likely to have a short-term disruptive effect on local drugs supply in Oldham, particularly for users who relied on the “Tony” and “Ali” lines, according to typical patterns observed in similar county lines crackdowns. Removing five key figures and seizing handsets, drugs and cash can reduce availability and increase uncertainty among remaining street-level operators.

For residents, the immediate effect may be a visible reduction in drug-related activity linked to these specific lines, alongside a potential deterrent effect on other would-be organisers who see that long custodial sentences are being imposed. However, policing and community safety experts often note that county lines networks can reconfigure, with new numbers and runners emerging if underlying demand and vulnerability in communities are not addressed.

For vulnerable young people and adults at risk of exploitation, the case underscores the continued focus by GMP on county lines as a priority. If coupled with sustained prevention work, outreach and support services such as Catch22 and Safecall, the disruption created by these sentences could create space for interventions that steer potential recruits away from criminality. Conversely, if demand remains high and support capacity is limited, there is a risk that other groups will attempt to fill the gap, meaning the long-term impact will depend on continued enforcement alongside wider safeguarding and public health efforts.