Two men who planned to flood the streets with cocaine and cannabis have been locked up - despite no drugs ever being found.
The National Crime Agency (NCA) built such a strong case against Brian Capon, 34, and Michael Downes 32, that they were convicted.
A court heard the pair planned to sell 58.5 kg of cocaine, 69kg of cannabis and 55kg of cannabis resin.
The investigation started in August 2017.
NCA officers found cash, cash counting machines, lists detailing drug deals and money made from selling Class A and Class B substances.
It was the lists and covert recordings made of conversations that meant they had enough evidence.
Capon, originally of Moreton Avenue, Stretford, Manchester; and Downes, of no fixed abode, both pleaded guilty to conspiring to supply drugs.
Capon was jailed for 16 years and eight months; and Downes to 11 years respectively yesterday (Tuesday, December 3) at Manchester Crown Court.
Following the sentencing, NCA Branch Commander Craig Watson said he hoped their sentences sent out a clear warning to those planning to deal drugs.
He said: "With or without drugs, the NCA with our law enforcement partners will identify you, trace you then disrupt and dismantle your organisation.
"The NCA will use all our capabilities to target and disrupt those involved in organised crime.”
The National Crime Agency is now appealing for help to find a third man who is wanted in connection with the investigation - Kurt McDonough from Bolton.
He was last seen on-board a ship bound for Belfast. A warrant has now been issued for his arrest, police said.
Mr Watson added: "We know that on Tuesday, July 9 Kurt McDonough left his bail address in Little Lever, Bolton.
“He took a taxi to Bolton train station before travelling onto Liverpool.
"At about 8.45pm that evening McDonough was seen on-board the Stena Lagan ship to Belfast.”
Mr Watson added: “I would urge Kurt to hand himself in.
“Although we know McDonough took a boat to Belfast, he is known to have connections to Ireland, Liverpool and Manchester.
“Anyone helping McDonough or actively frustrating our efforts to find him could be arrested for assisting an offender."
McDonough is 5ft 5ins tall, is white and has fair hair. He speaks with a northern accent.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact the National Crime Agency on on 0370 496 7622 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
