Three drug dealers, Jake Meade, Dale Reid, and Liam McGrath, were sentenced yesterday after being convicted of a major cocaine conspiracy. The trio admitted to supplying class A drugs through a highly organised operation.
Detectives identified Jake Meade as the ringleader, who operated the gang from Taunton Road, Chadderton. Using encrypted phones, the group distributed more than 13 kilos of cocaine over a seven-week period. Each kilo was sold for between £37,000 and £40,000.
Meade, known by the alias ‘Cookietender’ in secret communications, coordinated deals with Dale Reid—who also used the nicknames ‘Navalhound’ and ‘Usualbee’—and depended on Liam McGrath, his trusted courier and storeman, who has no fixed address.
Encrypted messages revealed the gang’s plan to purchase a van equipped with hidden compartments to transport drugs and cash, abandoning backpacks to avoid detection. However, police intervened on 30 July 2020, arresting Meade and Reid after executing a search warrant.
The raid resulted in the seizure of over £43,000 in cash, three vehicles, and luxury items including a Cartier watch and bracelet, a diamond ring, and Louis Vuitton bracelets—items believed to be purchased with proceeds from drug trafficking.
Manchester Crown Court sentenced Meade and Reid to 14 years and five months in prison. McGrath received a seven-year sentence for his involvement. A proceeds of crime hearing is scheduled to recover their illicit earnings and properties.
Detective Sergeant Paul Halliwell stated: “This was a sophisticated and organised drugs operation which led to multiple kilos of cocaine being distributed across the region. They tried to hide behind expensive Encrochat technology but we cracked their communication and exposed their network.”
He added, “A huge quantity of drugs is now off the streets and three dangerous criminals are behind bars, ending their days of dealing.”
“Drugs fuel serious violence and put communities at risk. GMP is committed to hitting these gangs hard and shutting them down.”
If you have information about drug activity, report it at www.gmp.police.uk or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Originally published by UKNIP.
