White powder was found in a JD Sports bag before a £1m empire unravelled

A £1million drug empire spectacularly unravelled after white powder was found inside a JD Sports bag.

Alan Entwistle, Stephen Findley and William Riley have been jailed for their part in a "sophisticated" operation that flooded the streets of Manchesterwith cocaine, heroin and amphetamines. Police raided the home of 64-year-old Findley.

They found 3kg of white powder, later found to be cocaine, inside a JD Sports bag during the operation in Wythenshawe in July last year . Police also found 1kg of brown and white powder, which was found to be cocaine and amphetamine inside a black backpack.

Other drug paraphernalia, including scales, was found in the kitchen. Just over a fortnight later, Entwistle, 48, was followed by officers to garages in Northenden. He was with three other men, including Riley.

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The trio had been "acting extremely suspiciously, sweating and appearing nervous," Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said. One set of keys seized from Entwistle was found to open the doors to one of the garages, the Manchester Evening News reported.

Eight smaller bags were found to each contain about 1kg of brown powder. Police found digital scales and 11kg of "drug adulterants," including caffeine, paracetamol and benzyl methyl ketone, used to "cut" product. Entwistle prepared drugs for sale and distributed packages to other dealers and safe houses.

Findley, 64 acted as the group's 'warehouseman', while Riley, was a street dealer, according to GMP. An expert concluded that if the recovered drugs and adulterants had been mixed and broken down into 0.1g deals, the heroin alone is estimated to be worth £1,108,400, yielding a potential profit of over £1million, the force said.

The men were sentenced at Manchester Crown Court on Friday. Entwistle, of Wythenshawe, was caged for 10 years and six months for conspiracy to supply Class A and Class B drugs. Findley was sentenced to four years and four months for the same offence.

Riley, 40, of Wythenshawe, was jailed for five years over conspiracy to supply Class A drugs. Detective Sergeant Richard McCorry from GMP's Serious Organised Crime Group said: "This was a sophisticated criminal operation that was flooding our communities with Class A and Class B drugs on a large scale.

"The sentences that were handed down reflect the serious nature of these offences and send a clear message that we will relentlessly pursue those involved in drug supply. The investigation demonstrates the excellent work of our officers, from the initial search warrant through to the tactical vehicle intercept operation that led to the discovery of such significant quantities of drugs and equipment.

"We remain committed to dismantling organised crime groups that bring misery to our communities through drug dealing. Anyone with information about drug dealing in their area is encouraged to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."