A family-run bistro boss involved in a WhatsApp cocaine trafficking ring with his son and brother has been jailed.
Rezart Balesi, 44, was described as the ‘senior figure’ in the organized drugs operation and was sentenced to seven years and six months. His son Joshua, 22, and brother Refail, 39, were also jailed.
Sentencing the men and their co-conspirators at Manchester Crown Court today, Judge Sarah Johnston said the operation was a ‘commercial and profitable enterprise’, with reports suggesting the group could make £9,000 in one night.
Balesi used the Village Bistro on Vernon Street, Greenmount, Bury, as a hub for the operation.
His son and brother controlled a mobile phone ‘deal line’, taking cocaine orders before ordering trusted street dealers to make deliveries.
Judge Johnston said of Rezart: “You tried not to get your hands dirty, but you were willing to do so.”
She also criticized him for implicating his then 18-year-old son in the conspiracy, telling him it “should be to your eternal shame.”
Refail Balesi was jailed for five years and three months, while Joshua was sentenced to four years.
A family-run bistro owner and his son and brother have been convicted for their role in an organized WhatsApp cocaine operation
Rezart Balesi, 44, (pictured), described as the tallest figure, 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, was jailed for three years and six months and will be deported.
Antonino Precaj, 33, was sentenced to 27 months in prison for his role in a separate cannabis cultivation conspiracy involving Joshua.
The drug conspiracy ran from May 2024 to March 2026.
Prosecutors said the true volume was difficult to determine, but evidence showed dozens of cocaine transactions took place on some days, with one expert estimating that about 790 grams of cocaine were delivered in a three-month period.
The court also heard that reports referred to buying cocaine in bulk for £36,000.
Judge Johnston said the operation was ‘not oppressive but collegial’ and that those involved had voluntarily chosen to benefit from the ‘misery’ caused by drugs.
Balesi’s brother Refail, 39, (pictured) was jailed for five years and three months
Clockwise from left to right, 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 Organized Crime Unit.
Detective Inspector Michael Robinson said officers had ‘dismantled a significant organized crime group’ causing significant damage to local communities.
Meanwhile, Megi Zaimi, the wife of alleged controller Konstantinos Vaso, was previously sentenced to 25 months’ probation and two years for her involvement in collecting cash and dealing with street dealers. Vaso remains at large.
No further evidence was presented against Rezarts’ wife, Claire Balesi, and a not guilty verdict was returned.
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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