Members of an organised crime group have been convicted following a complex police investigation into a cross-county drugs ring operating across Hull and the East Riding. The investigation began in February 2025 after British officers identified a ring operating in two areas of England.
They uncovered what they described as a sophisticated operation that involved the use of encrypted messaging platforms, fake insurance policies for vehicles and coordinated trips across multiple areas, including London, Rugby, Sheffield and Middlesbrough.
The drug line operated daily between 11am and 11pm, with activity mainly directed from outside the Humberside force area.
Communication, security camera evidence and financial investigations showed that Armir Metaj, 30, of Roscoe Street, Middlesbrough, played a key role in the operation, controlling the drug line, directing others to distribute drugs and coordinating the movement of drugs, money and associates.
On October 22, 2025, officers executed eight coordinated arrest warrants at addresses in Hull, Hessle, Doncaster, Middlesbrough and Rugby.
At an address in Middlesbrough, Armir Metaj was arrested, in Rugby, officers arrested Manuela Metaj, 33, of Begonia Way, while during a search of the property, officers found £129,010 in cash believed to be linked to drug supply activity.
Meanwhile, officers arrested Endri Arifaj, 35, of no fixed abode, and Gazmir Hamet, 45, of Richmond Road, Hessle, at what is believed to have been a secret address.
Officers seized more than £25,000 worth of cannabis, £6,095 in proceeds of crime, 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.