Cannabis gang jailed after major county lines investigation

Members of an organised crime group have been sentenced following a complex police investigation into a county lines drugs network operating across Hull and the East Riding.

The investigation began in February 2025 after officers from Humberside Police's Kinetic Organised Crime Group Team identified a county lines network operating across Hull and the East Riding.

As enquiries progressed, detectives uncovered what they described as a sophisticated operation involving the use of encrypted messaging platforms, false vehicle insurance policies and coordinated travel across multiple areas including London, Rugby, Sheffield and Middlesbrough.

Analysis showed the drugs line operated daily between 11am and 11pm, with activity largely directed from outside the Humberside force area.

Evidence gathered through communications data, CCTV and financial enquiries indicated Armir Metaj, 30, of Roscoe Street, Middlesbrough, played a leading role in the operation, controlling the drugs line, directing others to distribute drugs and coordinating the movement of drugs, money and associates.

On October 22, 2025, officers executed eight coordinated warrants at addresses in Hull, Hessle, Doncaster, Middlesbrough and Rugby.

At an address in Middlesbrough, Armir Metaj was arrested, with officers recovering mobile devices linked to the drugs line along with cash believed to be the proceeds of drug supply.

At an address in Rugby, officers arrested Manuela Metaj, 33, of Begonia Way.

During a search of the property, officers recovered £129,010 in cash believed to be linked to drug supply activity.

Meanwhile, officers arrested Endri Arifaj, 35, of no fixed abode, and Gazmir Hameti, 45, of Richmond Road, Hessle, at what is believed to have been a stash address.

Officers recovered cannabis worth more than £25,000, £6,095 in criminal cash, mobile phones, two vehicles and items associated with the storage and supply of drugs.

Two days later, on Friday, October 24, officers arrested Patryk Gilwanowski, 33, at his home on Wordsworth Street in Hull.

Documents recovered during the search linked him to a second property on Edgton Street, where officers discovered two large bags of cannabis with an estimated street value of £20,000.

Following the investigation, Armir Metaj, Patryk Gilwanowski, Endri Arifaj and Gazmir Hameti each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class B cannabis at earlier hearings.

Armir Metaj was also charged with conspiracy to supply Class A cocaine but was found not guilty following a nine-day trial at Grimsby Crown Court.

Manuela Metaj was found not guilty of conspiracy to supply Class B cannabis but was convicted of possession of criminal property following the same trial.

Appearing at Hull Crown Court on Friday (Jul 17), Armir Metaj was jailed for five years and four months.

Gilwanowski was sentenced to two years and six months in prison, while Arifaj received a prison sentence of one year and eight months. Hameti was jailed for one year and seven months.

Manuela Metaj was handed an 18-month prison sentence, suspended for one year, after being convicted of possession of criminal property.

Officer in the case, Police Constable Claire Dobson said: “This was a significant investigation into an organised crime group operating well beyond the Humberside area, exploiting county lines to distribute cannabis into our communities.

“Armir Metaj was at the centre of this network, directing activity and coordinating the movement of drugs, money and individuals across multiple regions. Beneath him sat a network of individuals carrying out specific roles, from managing stash locations to supplying drugs at street level - all contributing to the wider criminal network.

“The group took deliberate steps to evade detection, including the use of encrypted communications, frequent travel and vehicles linked to false insurance policies. However, through detailed analysis of communications data, financial investigation and coordinated enforcement activity, we were able to build a clear picture of their operation and bring those responsible before the courts.

“The warrants carried out in October were the culmination of months of work and highlight the strength of partnership working across multiple teams and forces.

“We know the impact that drug supply and organised crime have on our communities, from exploitation and violence to the wider harm it brings. Dismantling these networks remains a priority, and we will continue to pursue those involved relentlessly.”