Drug Lords Caught After Encrochat Bust – Jailed for Decades
Criminal masterminds Jonathan Cassidy and Nasar Ahmed pleaded guilty after a judge ruled that evidence from the Encrochat hack was admissible. Both were locked up earlier this year for nearly 44 years combined, crushing their last line of defence and setting a legal precedent.
Saleem and Monaf Follow Suit – Sentenced After Guilty Pleas
Following the landmark ruling, Saleem and Monaf faced Manchester Crown Court this week, accepting their guilt in a slew of charges tied to firearms and drug conspiracies. Najeef Saleem, 44, from Smallbrook Lane, copped 22 years for conspiracy to supply cocaine, cannabis, and possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life. His partner in crime, Nahidul Monaf, 36, of Moss Side, was jailed for 10 years for conspiracy involving firearms and cannabis production.
Operation Venetic Snares Guns, Drugs & High-Tech Gear
Police began investigating the duo back in 2019, bolstered by a treasure trove of Encrochat messages pinpointing Saleem’s online alias ‘Rafealcaroquintero’ – named after a notorious Mexican drug lord. The men stored guns and ammo in a Cheadle garden shed, caught red-handed on CCTV. Further searches uncovered silenced firearms, cannabis farms with high-tech growing equipment, and evidence of extensive drug dealing across the UK.
Top Cop: “Removing These Criminals Saves Lives”
Detective Sergeant Colin Shackleton said: “Saleem and Monaf ran a sophisticated, deadly operation, pumping hundreds of thousands into encrypted phones, tracking devices, and equipment to keep their trade hidden. Their removal hits the supply chain hard and stops potentially fatal crimes.”
“We’ve jailed top organised crime figures for nearly 300 years combined this past year, with more firearms off our streets thanks to relentless police work. We urge the public: if you know where weapons are hidden, speak up.”
Thanks to meticulous police work and the game-changing Encrochat evidence, two dangerous criminals are behind bars – and the streets are a little safer.
