The owner of a family-run bistro has been jailed after being exposed as a key player in a WhatsApp-based cocaine supply network involving his son and brother.
Rezart Balesi, 44, was identified in court as the “senior figure” behind the organised drug dealing operation. He was handed a prison sentence of seven years and six months, while his 22-year-old son Joshua and 39-year-old brother Refail were also sent to jail.
Passing sentence on the men and others involved at Manchester Crown Court today, Judge Sarah Johnston said the cocaine network had functioned as a “commercial enterprise, and a profitable one”, with WhatsApp messages indicating the group could bring in as much as £9,000 in one night.
The court heard that Balesi used the Village Bistro on Vernon Street in Greenmount, Bury, as a base for the illegal operation.
His son and brother managed a mobile “deal line”, receiving cocaine orders before sending trusted street-level dealers out to complete deliveries.
Addressing Rezart Balesi directly, Judge Johnston said: “You tried not to get your hands dirty but were prepared to do so.”
The judge also condemned him for drawing his son, who was just 18 at the time, into the drugs conspiracy, telling him it “should be to your eternal shame”.
Refail Balesi received a sentence of five years and three months, while Joshua Balesi was jailed for four years.
A family–run bistro owner and his son and brother have been jailed for their roles in an organised WhatsApp cocaine operation
Rezart Balesi, 44, (pictured) described as the senior figure, was jailed for seven years and six months
Balesi’s son Joshua, 22, (pictured) was jailed for 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.
Balesi’s brother Refail, 39, (pictured) was jailed for five years and three months
L–R clockwise, Rezart Balesi, Refail Balesi, Joshua Balesi, Fatos Vrenezi, Antonino Precaj, Fjoraldo Lukaj, Imanuel Lumaj, Lorenzo Canovi
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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