The operation came to light after Border Force officers intercepted a delivery of 80kg of cocaine destined for Gainsborough-based company Turks Trading in November 2024, the court heard.
Jurors heard there were two similar shipments of cocaine in July and September of that year, after machines used in the plastic industry were imported into the UK from South America.
Prosecutor John Hallissey told the court Hussain, of Greengate Close, Bury, was the “leader” of the UK operation.
Wadood, of Irwell Street, Bury, also played a key supporting role and was “second-in-command” to Hussain, the court heard.
“He [Wadood] had substantial influence on others in the chain,” Hallissey explained, “and was also using businesses as a cover.”
Sentencing Hussain, Judge Simon Hirst said he was close to the supply of the cocaine, which came directly from South America.
In mitigation, the court heard Hussain was a “devoted father” who had no similar convictions and had been working diligently in the prison library, while Wadood was not a leading figure in the enterprise.
Judge Hirst added there was no evidence of any legitimate trading at the plastics companies set up by Hussain.
Passing sentence on Wadood, Judge Hirst accepted he was below Hussain in the chain and further away from the original supply of the drugs.