Three Jailed for Running Major Cocaine Gang Using Encrypted Phones
Jake Meade, Dale Reid, and Liam McGrath were locked up yesterday after admitting to conspiracy to supply Class A drugs in a high-stakes cocaine racket.
Encrypted Phones and Millions in Cocaine Sales
Detectives uncovered Meade as the ringleader of the gang operating from Chadderton and Blackley, who used encrypted phones to run their dirty business. Over seven weeks, they flogged more than 13 kilos of cocaine, with the street value hitting between £37,000 and £40,000 per kilo.
Meade went by the online alias ‘Cookietender’, while Reid used the nicknames ‘Navalhound’ and ‘Usualbee’. The pair used trusted courier and storeman McGrath as their runner.
Plans to Conceal Drugs Exposed Before Police Raid
The trio even plotted to buy a van with a hidden compartment for smuggling drugs and cash, ditching the risky backpack method. But their operation was crushed when police raided their homes on July 30, 2020.
Officers seized over £43,000 in cash, three vehicles, and a stash of designer gear including Cartier watches, diamond rings, and Louis Vuitton bracelets.
Heavy Sentences and Tough Police Warning
Meade and Reid each received 14 years and five months behind bars. McGrath got seven years. The sentencing took place at manchester-crown-court/" title="Manchester Crown Court" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked" data-wpil-monitor-id="808">Manchester Crown Court.
Detective Sergeant Paul Halliwell said: “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.”
GMP is relentless in pursuing those flooding the region with drugs. We urge anyone with information to report it online or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Drug users beware: police say these substances fuel not only addiction but serious street violence. If you have info, speak up now at www.gmp.police.uk.
