A family-run bistro boss at the centre of a WhatsApp cocaine dealing operation with his son and brother has been jailed.

Rezart Balesi, 44, was described as the 'senior figure' in the organised drugs operation and was sentenced to seven years and six months. His son Joshua, 22, and brother Refail, 39, were also jailed.

Sentencing the men and their co–conspirators at Manchester Crown Court today, Judge Sarah Johnston said the operation was a 'commercial enterprise, and a profitable one', with messages suggesting the group could make £9,000 in a single night.

Balesi used the Village Bistro on Vernon Street, Greenmount, Bury, as a hub for the operation. 

His son and brother controlled a mobile phone 'deal line', taking cocaine orders before directing trusted street dealers to make deliveries.

Judge Johnston said of Rezart: 'You tried not to get your hands dirty but were prepared to do so.' 

She also criticised him for leading his then 18–year–old son into the conspiracy, telling him it 'should be to your eternal shame'.

Refail Balesi was jailed for five years and three months, while Joshua was sentenced to four years.

Street dealers Fatos Vrenezi, 53, and Lorenzo Canovi, 48, were jailed for four years and 37 months, respectively. 

Immanuel Lumaj, 30, was jailed for three years and nine months, while Fjoraldo Lukaj, 31, received three years and six months and will face deportation.

Antonino Precaj, 33, was jailed for 27 months for his role in a separate cannabis–growing conspiracy involving Joshua.

The drugs conspiracy ran from May 2024 until March 2026. 

Prosecutors said the true scale was difficult to establish, but evidence showed dozens of cocaine deals taking place on some days, with an expert estimating around 790g of cocaine was supplied over a three–month period.

The court also heard that messages referred to buying cocaine in bulk for £36,000.

Judge Johnston said the operation was 'not oppressive but collegiate' and that those involved had willingly chosen to profit from the 'misery' caused by drugs.

The prosecution was brought following a lengthy investigation by the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit. 

Detective Inspector Michael Robinson said officers had 'dismantled a significant organised crime group' which was causing considerable harm to local communities.

Meanwhile, Megi Zaimi, wife of alleged controller Konstantinos Vaso, was previously sentenced to 25 months suspended for two years for her involvement in collecting cash and dealing with street dealers. Vaso remains at large.

No further evidence was offered against Rezart's wife, Claire Balesi, and a not guilty verdict was recorded.

Before sentencing, Rezart Balesi, and Refail Balesi both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and Joshua Balesi pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A and Class B drugs.

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