Rezart Balesi, 44, the owner of the Village Bistro in Bury, has been jailed for seven years and six months after being identified as the senior figure in an organized cocaine distribution network. His son, Joshua Balesi, 22, and brother, Refail Balesi, 39, also received prison sentences for their roles in the conspiracy.
Sentencing the group at Manchester Crown Court, Judge Sarah Johnston characterized the operation as a "commercial enterprise, and a profitable one," with internal messages suggesting potential earnings of £9,000 in a single night. The drugs conspiracy operated from May 2024 until March 2026.
Rezart Balesi used his bistro as a base for the operation. His son and brother managed a mobile phone "deal line," receiving cocaine orders and coordinating deliveries with street dealers. The judge noted Rezart Balesi's attempt to distance himself from direct involvement but acknowledged his ultimate responsibility, stating it should be to his "eternal shame" for involving his then 18-year-old son.
Refail Balesi was sentenced to five years and three months, while Joshua Balesi received a four-year sentence. Joshua Balesi also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class B drugs.
Other individuals involved in the operation also received sentences. Fatos Vrenezi, 53, and Lorenzo Canovi, 48, were jailed for four years and 37 months respectively for their roles as street dealers. Immanuel Lumaj, 30, received three years and nine months, and Fjoraldo Lukaj, 31, was sentenced to three years and six months, with the latter facing deportation. Antonino Precaj, 33, was given 27 months for his part in a separate cannabis-growing conspiracy involving Joshua Balesi.
Prosecutors indicated that the full extent of the operation was challenging to determine, but evidence pointed to dozens of cocaine deals occurring daily. An expert estimated approximately 790 grams of cocaine were supplied over a three-month period. The court also heard of messages referencing bulk cocaine purchases valued at £36,000.
Detective Inspector Michael Robinson of the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit, which led the investigation, stated that officers had "dismantled a significant organised crime group" that was causing harm to local communities.
Megi Zaimi, the wife of an alleged controller, Konstantinos Vaso, received a suspended sentence for her involvement in handling cash and communicating with dealers. Vaso remains at large. No further evidence was pursued against Rezart Balesi's wife, Claire Balesi, and a not guilty verdict was recorded for her.