Pumping out whopping amounts of meth from a Breaking Bad-style lab, business was good.
Little did neighbours know that yards away, an organised criminal outfit was hard at work producing kilo after kilo. It would later be revealed that a 13-strong gang was behind the operation - part of a wider, 'extensive' network of top-level crooks dealing in drugs and guns.
Now 11 members of the group have been jailed at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court. Images inside the flat, offering a glimpse into the illicit enterprise at the Welbeck Street South flat before it was busted by cops, have been released.
At the heart of the business was kingpin James Mulligan. He ran the show with the help of his dad and brother Brian Mulligan Snr and Brian Mulligan Jnr. Second in command were David Keenan and Damian Batty.
They transported and collected packages of drugs before passing them to six others to flog on the streets of Greater Manchester. 'Grandma'- 72-year-old Sheila Mason - was in control of a stash house in Droylsden.
Confident in their roles, they got cocky - unaware the net was closing. Detectives from GMPs Serious Organised Crime Group were watching.
'Too comfortable in their patterns and routines, they got sloppy. Between April and October 2021, police in Manchester, Merseyside and West Yorkshire made a number of arrests as members of the gang were caught carrying drugs and firearms.
By May 1, a surveillance operation was underway at Mulligan Snr's home.
This story is from the November 26, 2023 edition of MEN on Sunday.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 26, 2023 edition of MEN on Sunday.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Howhasit come to this for Pep's 500th game?
PEP Guardiola should be in the ultimate honeymoon period.
No surprise McAtee eyes exit in January
CITY and James McAtee both made clear that they wanted to make things work this season. Despite City's title defence crumbling around him, however, McAtee has had a front row seat to the season rather than an active role.
Maguire risks ban in Magpies fixture
UNITED know they will be without several key players when they return to Premier League action to face Newcastle.
'I want to make history at United'
AMAD Diallo 'wants to make history' with United as he aims to help Ruben Amorim turn around the club's fortunes.
Sutton tips 'rubbish' Reds to lose
NEWCASTLE United will make it four wins in a row when they take on United because Ruben Amorim's side are 'rubbish'.
United have to face up to Old Trafford nerves
HOW will the nerves be tomorrow night then? In the wake of Manchester United's pre-Christmas defeat to Bournemouth, Ruben Amorim identified nervousness and anxiety as a problem to be overcome, for his team and the supporters.
Ronaldo 'will be owner of big club'
UNITED legend Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his intention to buy a football club after he retires from professional football.
Council tax needs overdue overhaul
WHILE festive shoppers have been deciding what to buy in the last few weeks, under-pressure local politicians across Northern England are weighing up which public services they can still afford to run.
Claims of a 'fix' with no elections due in 2025
THERE will be no elections held in Greater Manchester in 2025.
Family takes on DIY SOS to build a home for Gary
THE family of a man left disabled after suffering a stroke say they've been left 'blown away' by people's kindness after deciding to build a specially adapted house for him to live in.
