'Scouse Paul', the untraceable ghost, and a £180k criminal empire

It is the first time police have discovered a weapon of its kind in Manchester

A drug dealer at the helm of an £180,000 'Scouse Paul' county lines operation was found in possession of Greater Manchester's first untraceable 'ghost gun'.

Police found a ‘significant amount' of crack cocaine and heroin valued at around £28,500 when they raided Veke Koissia Soumahoro's Bolton home in November 2024.

In a GMP first, detectives also uncovered a Polymer80 ‘ghost gun’ that had been assembled from a kit containing parts with no serial numbers.

A 'ghost gun' is a viable weapon that is untraceable as it has no identifiers and can be made from a kit or from separate parts, or even a 3D printer.

At a hearing at Bolton Crown Court on Tuesday (June 3), Soumahoro pleaded guilty to a slew of drugs and firearms offences and was sentenced to seven years and six months behind bars.

Police said it was estimated that over 1.8kg of drugs had been distributed within Bolton between February and November 2024 as part of the 'Scouse Paul' operation.

Soumahoro, of Mornington Road, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm, possession of ammunition for a firearm without a certificate, being concerned in the supply of heroin, being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine, possession with intent to supply heroin, and possession with intent to supply crack cocaine.

Detective Constable Daniel Woodburn, of our County Lines Team, said: “This was an investigation into a Class A drugs line branded ‘Scouse Paul’ that was based in Bolton.

“It was estimated that just over 1.8kg of drugs had been distributed within Bolton between February and November 2024.

“Not only have we taken a significant drugs line off the streets, but also a viable ‘ghost gun’ that could have been used for further criminality.

“What started out as an investigation into a drugs line ended with a viable firearm being removed from the streets.

“We will continue to pursue those who engage in such criminal activities across Greater Manchester.

“We rely on information from the public to be our eyes and ears on the streets - help us to rid your communities of drugs and related crime by reporting information about drug dealing and other issues.

“You can also report information and crimes on our website using the 'report' tool.

"Alternatively, you can report information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 in an emergency.”