Three men have been jailed after admitting to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs as part of a major cocaine gang operating in Manchester. Jake Meade, Dale Reid, and Liam McGrath were sentenced yesterday following a police investigation.
Detectives identified Jake Meade as the ringleader of the gang, which operated from the Chadderton and Blackley areas. The group used encrypted phones to coordinate their drug dealing activities, selling over 13 kilograms of cocaine during a seven-week period. The street value of the cocaine ranged between £37,000 and £40,000 per kilogram.
Meade used the online alias ‘Cookietender’, while Dale Reid operated under the nicknames ‘Navalhound’ and ‘Usualbee’. Liam McGrath acted as a trusted courier and storeman for the gang.
The trio had plans to purchase a van with a hidden compartment to smuggle drugs and cash, moving away from the riskier method of using backpacks. However, their operation was disrupted when police raided their homes on 30 July 2020.
During the raids, officers seized over £43,000 in cash, three vehicles, and luxury items including Cartier watches, diamond rings, and Louis Vuitton bracelets.
At Manchester Crown Court, Meade and Reid were each sentenced to 14 years and five months in prison, while McGrath received a seven-year sentence.
Detective Sergeant Paul Halliwell commented: “This was a sophisticated and organised drugs operation distributing multiple kilos of cocaine across the region. They tried to hide behind expensive encrypted phone tech but were caught. A huge haul of drugs was taken off the streets, and these dealers are now off our streets for good.”
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) continues to pursue those involved in flooding the region with drugs. They urge anyone with information to report it online or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Police warn that these substances not only fuel addiction but also contribute to serious street violence. Anyone with information is encouraged to speak up at www.gmp.police.uk.
Originally published by UKNIP.
