Three Drug Dealers Jailed After Massive Cocaine Bust
Jake Meade, Dale Reid, and Liam McGrath were locked up yesterday for a major cocaine conspiracy. The trio admitted to supplying class A drugs in a slick, organised operation.
Leader ‘Cookietender’ Runs High-Stakes Cocaine Ring
Detectives uncovered Meade as the ringleader, running the crew from Taunton Road, Chadderton. Using encrypted phones, the gang pushed over 13 kilos of cocaine in just seven weeks. Each kilo went for a hefty £37,000 to £40,000.
Meade, known as ‘Cookietender’ in secret chats, coordinated deals with Reid—also called ‘Navalhound’ and ‘Usualbee’—and relied on McGrath, his trusted courier and storeman, who has no fixed address.
Van Hideout Plot Foiled by Police
Encrypted messages revealed plans to buy a van with hidden compartments for drugs and cash, ditching backpacks to avoid detection. But cops swooped in on 30 July 2020, arresting Meade and Reid after executing a warrant.
The raid uncovered more than £43,000 in cash, three vehicles, and luxury items including a Cartier watch and bracelet, a diamond ring, and Louis Vuitton bracelets—classic bling from dirty money.
Long Sentences and Seized Assets
Manchester Crown Court sentenced Meade and Reid to 14 years and five months behind bars. McGrath picked up seven years for his role.
A proceeds of crime hearing is set to reclaim their ill-gotten gains and properties.
Detective Sergeant Paul Halliwell said: “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.”
“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.
