THE partner of a drug dealer who moved huge amounts of cocaine and cash across the country "turned a blind eye" to what he was doing, a court heard.

Pasquelino Mazzuca’s work as courier for drug dealer Alexander Hepworth was uncovered after police officers raided the 53-year-old’s Bury-based premises and found over 2,000 ecstasy tablets.

WhatsApp messages between the pair revealed how Mazzuca, of Holden Avenue, Ramsbottom, was travelling to Plymouth and Harwich, and taking delivery of drugs directly off arriving boats.

In one message the pair discussed supplying a firearm and ammunition.

Officers estimate at least 30kg of cocaine was trafficked across the country between late 2018 and October 2019, with an estimated value of £3m.

The drugs were often transported hidden inside tubs of e45 moisturising cream.

Appearing at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court, Mazzuca's partner, Michelle Hart, sat weeping in the dock as Harriet Lavin, prosecuting, described how the 50-year-old "must've been aware" of what was going after substantial amounts of cash were paid into her bank account.

"They live together with their daughter and they jointly own the house and were jointly responsible for the mortgage," said Ms Lavin. "She must've been aware of her partner's offending and it is inherently unlikely that he was performing all of his journeys and errands without her knowledge.

"In interview she said she worked as a dog walker and her partner was an electrician struggling to find work but there was plenty of cash going into their joint bank account.

"She was knowingly enjoying the proceeds of her partner's criminal enterprise."

Ms Lavin said a total of £48,000 in cash was paid into the couple's joint account with £10,298 transferred into Hart's account.

"In terms of the e45 cream she told officers it was bought for her for her psoriasis and the reason it was decanted was because she accidentally dropped and broken the bottle," said Ms Lavin, who added that Hart had no previous convictions.

Earlier this month Mazzuca, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine and possession of ecstasy with intent to supply, was sentenced to 11 years and two months imprisonment, and Hepworth, of Alden Road, Rossendale, to 16 years and nine months.

Mark Shanks, defending, said Hart "turned a blind eye and buried her head in the sand" regarding her partner's offending.

"Their 16-year-old daughter is living in fear that she will lose both her parents to prison sentences," said Mr Shanks. "That has effected her GCSEs and her life as she goes forward.

"This is a blip - a serious blip - and she comes to court petrified of a prison sentence, but I would say that she was not living a lavish lifestyle.

"Some of the monies were for her enjoyment but there were no Ferraris or speedboats."

Sentencing Hart, who pleaded guilty to possession of criminal property, Judge Sophie McKone, said: "You must have known in general terms at least about your partner's criminal activity.

"You knew he was decanting drugs into tubs of moisturiser and £48,000 was paid into your joint account.

"Drug dealers need people to look after the money they make and you assisted your partner in that evil trade - it was a huge blind eye you turned towards what he was doing."

Hart was handed a 12 month prison sentence suspended for two years with a 10 day rehabilitation activity requirement.

She will also be made the subject of a six month curfew from 7pm to 6am and will have to complete 200 hours unpaid work.

A proceeds of crime hearing will take place at a later date.