Police raids have led to significant jailtime for an organised crime gang.

Macclesfield resident Aaron Jackson is one of three members of an OCG to have been jailed following the discovery of a cannabis farm.

The 30-year-old was sentenced to five years and six months in prison at Manchester Crown Court on December 18, having been convicted of being concerned in the supply of cocaine and concerned in supply of heroin.

Detective Sergeant Mark Graham said: "After a meticulous investigation, the City of Manchester Challenger team, alongside partners, have successfully prevented drugs being distributed across our communities, and the harms that come hand in hand with organised crime, such as the exploitation of vulnerable people.  

"Our officers are committed to tackling organised crime and keeping our communities safe." 

Aaron Jackson (Credit: GMP)

On July 17 this year, officers from the City of Manchester Central Challenger executed a warrant at an address on Stretford Road, in Hulme – the home of 24-year-old Shasha Clarke.

After forcing their way into the property, officers uncovered a cannabis farm with 24 plants, as well as a large quantity of crack cocaine and heroin ready to be supplied. 

Mobile evidence was obtained to show that Clarke was acting as a safehouse for drug suppliers to store illegal commodities at her address.   

As a result, two further suspects were identified as using the address to store class A drugs – Kobie Rowe and the aforementioned Aaron Jackson.

This led to further raids being carried out at Rowe's address on Study Close in Manchester and Jackson's address on Ivy Meade Road in Macclesfield.   

Following a search, a significant amount of crack cocaine (400 wraps) and heroin (300 wraps), along with £7000 cash, was recovered from the home of Rowe.  

Cannabis farm discovered at Clarke's home (Credit: GMP)

Rowe was also sentenced on December 18 at Manchester Crown Court, receiving a sentence of three years and eight months for being concerned in the supply of cocaine, concerned in the supply of heroin, possession of crack cocaine with intent to supply, possession of heroin with intent to supply, possession of cannabis, and possession of criminal property.

Clarke, meanwhile, was sentenced on November 6 to two years and five months after being convicted of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs and cultivation of cannabis.

Deputy Mayor of Safer and Stronger Communities, Kate Green, said: "This is about more than arrests; it's about cutting off supply lines, safeguarding vulnerable people, and preventing further crime using the power of our partnership.

"We will continue to be uncompromising in our approach to organised crime, and I urge anyone who has information or concerns about criminal activity in their area to come forward. Your information can help keep our neighbourhoods safe."

Snap bags of class A drugs discovered during the raids (Credit: GMP)