A wannabe rapper and self-proclaimed ‘drug lord,’ William Bates, has been jailed for nine years and seven months after running a county lines drug operation in Greater Manchester. The 26-year-old, who boasted in rap lyrics about making ‘stacks’ of cash and evading police, was finally caught with 100 wraps of cocaine after a dramatic foot chase through the woods.
Drug Dealing & County Lines Operation
Bates, from Wigan, was at the head of a county lines drug network, exploiting young people and vulnerable adults to distribute heroin and cocaine across Leigh, Wigan, and Burnley, according to Greater Manchester Police (GMP).
Officers began investigating him in January 2023 and later raided his home in Astley in October 2023, seizing his phone. It contained messages in which he boasted about his drug empire and directed others to carry out deals on his behalf. Despite being charged and bailed, he continued his illegal activities.
Arrest & Evidence
In October 2024, plainclothes officers caught Bates in the act, observing him dealing drugs on Butts Lane, Leigh. After attempting to flee when officers stopped the uninsured car he was in, Bates was arrested following a chase through the woods.
A search of his home uncovered:
Three machetes
Cannabis
A duffle bag with syringes and vials of liquid
His phone also revealed messages where he sent links to GMP press releases about himself to dealers while trying to secure drugs while on holiday.
