Muharem Hekali (09/05/1998) of Connington Avenue, Harpurhey has been sentenced to eight years at Bolton Crown Court today (Wednesday 15 July 2026) following guilty pleas to conspiracy to supply class A drugs (cocaine), possession with intent to supply class A drugs (cocaine) and possession of criminal property (cash).
– In September 2025, officers from our Wigan Challenger team conducted warrants at an address on Market Street, Atherton which led to the discovery of a drug preparation room.
– More than 350 snap bags of cocaine, scales, over £9,000 in cash and rotas for dealers to distribute were discovered in the room.
Mobile phone analysis identified that Hekali was the leader of an organised crime group (OCG), co-ordinating the dealers and stock levels.
Hekali was arrested on Thursday 26 February 2026. Two warrants were conducted following his arrest, leading to the recovery of 708g of cocaine in five plastic heat-sealed packages, a further 145g sealed of cocaine in cling film and £5,000 in cash hidden under a cushion on the sofa.
Officers estimated that during the offending period, Hekali produced over 53,400 bags of cocaine with an estimated street value of over £1,672,000.
Two other members of the OCG – Nikolaos Giousoufidis (22/02/1986) and Christos Kompos (29/09/1979) both of Market Street, Atherton – were both jailed on April 3 at Bolton Crown Court for three-and-a-half-years for conspiracy to supply cocaine and possessing criminal property (cash).
Images recovered from the phones of Giousoufidis and Kompos included evidence of drug supply.
Programme Challenger is Greater Manchester’s partnership response to tackling serious and organised crime. It brings together law enforcement agencies, local authorities, and community partners to address all forms of serious crime.
Detective Sergeant Matt Higham, of our Wigan Challenger team, said: “This sentencing reflects the seriousness of Hekali’s actions and the harm that drug supply brings to our communities.
“During our investigation it was clear that Hekali was the leader of an organised crime group who was leading others to sell class A drugs across the district.
“Our officers work tirelessly to identify and disrupt those who believe they can deal drugs in our communities without consequence. I hope this result reassures the public that as a force, we are committed to removing harmful substances from our streets and bringing offenders before the courts.
“Our message is simple: if you choose to engage in drug supply or criminal financial activity, we will identify you, we will take action, and you will be held accountable.
“Anyone who has concerns about drug dealing in their local area can contact us via 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, if you wish to remain anonymous.”