Covert police operation sees fifteen convicted for drug supply

Specialist detectives from GMP Challenger team and North West Regional Organised Crime Unit carried out a lengthy investigation into multiple drug lines operating out of North Manchester.

On Wednesday (17 January) the final member was sentenced for his role.

Jon Keelan (16/08/1990) of Wardley Avenue, Worsley, pleaded guilty to seven counts of supplying class A drugs and two counts of possession with intent to supply class A drugs. He has been jailed for two years and six months.

The investigation was launched in 2021 following community concerns in the Miles Platting and Beswick areas of Manchester. At the time, police identified increased violence and firearm criminality, which they believed was being driven by the lucrative drug market in the area.

Over the course of the investigation, detectives methodically gained a wealth of evidence which ultimately led to these convictions, detailing the offender’s involvement in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin across North Manchester.

During a period of surveillance between, police observed members of the gang selling crack cocaine and heroin on the streets.

Over two days, Tuesday 30 and Wednesday 31 March in 2021, Greater Manchester Police coordinated 18 warrants across Manchester, Yorkshire, and Lancashire. In total, 17 suspects were arrested, and police seized high value clothing, drugs, cash, and weapons from the properties.

Each defendant pleaded guilty to the below offences.

In March 2022, Harvey Jowett (27/05/2005) who was a juvenile at the time, was sentenced to a youth rehabilitation order for conspiracy to supply class A drugs. Leon Vertigon (05/03/2004) who was also a juvenile at the time, was given a suspended sentence for conspiracy to supply class A drugs.

In April 2022, Kyle McCabe (12/06/2004) who was a juvenile at the time was sentenced to a youth referral order for two counts of possession with intent to supply, and two counts of supplying class A drugs. Keigan Farrell (27/11/2004) who was a juvenile at the time was given a youth referral order for fourteen counts of supplying class A drugs.

In July 2022, Jaden Bond (20/08/1999) of Shawhill Walk was sentenced to three years for supplying class A drugs.

In November 2022, Lisa Owen (19/01/1984) of Daisy Bank Road, was sentenced to three years and three months for conspiracy to supply class A drugs, burglary, and fraud by false representation. Anthony McFeeley (19/08/1993) of Acer Grove was sentenced to three years and six months for supplying class A drugs.

In December 2022, George Downing (05/05/1995) of Sunnyside Road, Droyslden was sentenced to two years and five months for conspiracy to supply class A drugs. James O’Leary (09/08/1985) of Millway Walk was sentenced to four years and six months for supplying class A drugs.

In March 2023, Connor Hegarty (14/02/1997) of no fixed abode, was sentenced to two years and six for supplying class A drugs.

In April 2023, Joshua Birkett (14/08/1990) of Maybury Street was sentenced to three years and six months for supplying class A drugs and possession with intent to supply class A drugs.

In October 2023, James Anderson (09/09)1966) of Bednal Avenue, was sentenced to four years for supplying class A drugs.

In November 2023, Adam Shah (29/09/1991) of Bednal Avenue, was sentenced to five years for supplying class A drugs and three counts of possession with intent to supply. Shaun Worthington (01/10/1988) of Filton Walk was sentenced to two years and seven months for supplying class A drugs.

Detective Constable Chris Anders from GMP North Manchester Challenger Team said: “Officers worked tirelessly over a protracted period to ensure that these drug lines were stopped, and I am proud of their efforts to bring these individuals to justice.

“As well as seizing significant amounts of drugs estimated to be worth between £33k-£113k, by working closely with our partner agencies, we were able to identify and safeguard a number of vulnerable people who were being exploited by this gang.

“This gang were brazenly advertising their drugs through dedicated phone line’s operating in the area, and clearly thought they were above the law. This week sees the end of a lengthy investigation which I hope offers some reassurance to communities that GMP is determined to robustly deal with high harm offenders, reduce crime and built trust and confidence.”