Three men have been jailed for money laundering and Class A drugs offences in Salford.
Organised crime police arrested brothers Jonathan Rothwell, 26, and Jamie Rothwell, 28, after a six-month investigation.
After sentencing at Manchester Crown Court officers said they would not stop until organised crime groups in Salford “are dismantled piece by piece”.
The probe started in October 2013 after suspicions were aroused that the pair were involved in money laundering.
Two cars worth a total of £34,000 were seized as part of Jamie Rothwell’s existing Proceeds of Crime Act order.
Jamie Rothwell had already been ordered to pay £57,000 in connection with a previous drugs conviction.
On Wednesday 15 April 2015 officers spotted Jonathan Rothwell and accomplice Liam Gee, 26, sat in a parked car in Weaste.
As police approached Gee fled on foot but and Rothwell tried to reverse the car away.
Both men were detained and when the officers searched the car they discovered cocaine with a value of £60,000 in the car.
A separate investigation into drugs supply was launched and both Jonathan Rothwell and Liam Gee were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A drugs.
At Manchester Crown Court, Jonathan Rothwell of Grindon Avenue, Salford, pleaded guilty to money laundering and the possession of Class A drugs with the intent to supply.
On Friday 20 November 2015 he was jailed for five and a half years.
Jonathan Rothwell
Liam Gee, of Meadowgate, Weaste, pleaded guilty to possession of Class A drugs and was sentenced to four years in prison.
Liam Gee
Jamie Rothwell of Bryn Road South, Wigan pleaded guilty to money laundering and was jailed for 18 months.
Jamie Rothwell
Detective Constable Richard Hudd said: “I hope today’s sentences show that we will relentlessly pursue the criminals who are involved in organised crime and are damaging Salford.
“Despite owing £57,000, Jamie Rothwell continued to spend large amounts of money, buying expensive cars, and making no attempt to pay back the money he owed.
“Serious organised crime causes devastating harm to local communities and we, along with our partners, are determined to take these criminals off the streets, disrupting their lifestyles and making the streets of Salford a safer place to live.
“We will not stop until we dismantle organised crime groups piece by piece.”
