A BURNLEY drugs courier caught red-handed with more than £4million worth of cannabis, destined for dealers across the North West, has been jailed.

And police were today hunting the Mr Big' behind the huge supply operation who employed Sarfraz Ahmed after he was sentenced to three-and-half years' jail at Manchester Crown Court. Ahmed, 29, of New Hall Street, Burnley, was arrested by drug squad officers from Greater Manchester Police after an undercover operation.

Officers believe the ton of cannabis seized was destined for dealers across the North West, creating the knock-on effect of increased crime as users stole to fund their habit.

Ahmed's arrest followed an undercover surveillance operation by drug squad police on a van at a lock-up unit in the Gorton area of Manchester.

On Wednesday, January 18, police filmed the van driving to a second storage unit where Ahmed was waiting in his car.

Officers swooped and searched the van where they found a substantial quantity of cannabis.

A second search of units in Lower Broughton and Gorton revealed more cannabis resin.

A total of 1,000kg of cannabis resin, estimated to have a street value of over £4million, was seized by officers in the operation.

Detective Inspector John Ogdon, of GMP's drug unit, said: "Ahmed was essentially a courier in this operation and our inquiries will continue to try and trace the people higher up the chain.

"A lot of money is being made out of cannabis, although people may not consider it in the same league as other drugs.

"And although there is nothing to suggest Ahmed was dealing the drugs he has still gone to prison for a substantial period.

"I hope these sentences will act as a warning to anyone who is involved in drug-related activity or who may be considering becoming involved in it.

"We will continue to be proactive and robust in our approach to the possession and supply of controlled drugs and we will continue to target those involved in this illicit trade."

A second man, Alexander Morris, 42, of Skelmersdale, was also jailed for three-and-a-half years.

Both men pleaded guilty to possession of drugs with intent to supply, at Manchester Crown Court in April.

Ahmed must also serve six months of a previous sentence and Morris was given an additional three months for driving while disqualified.