A Manchester man who used children to deal drugs has been jailed for 11 years

The court heard how Kenny used threats of violence to get children to do his dealing, which was highlighted in our investigation – Operation Charger. Running from 2019 until 2021, Operation Charger focused on the supply of Class A and Class B drugs within the Tameside area.

This included the 'Sam N Marco' – or ‘SNM’ drugs line, which was run by Kenny, he coordinated the drug supply, cultivation of cannabis and movement of drugs from place to place.

He also used children to assist in the supply of drugs, including holding the drugs, the drugs line mobile phone and collecting the money.

Kenny, who was originally arrested 2021 before briefly disappearing, was apprehended in December of the same year. He was found living in an apartment in the city centre and was relying on a driver to take him out to deal drugs as he had two broken legs.

A warrant was carried out and a large amount of Class A drugs, as well as cash, was seized.

Sergeant Matthew Elliot of our Child Criminal Exploitation Team in Tameside, said: “Using violence or the fear of violence to get the vulnerable in our communities to do deal their drugs is bad enough, but to use a child is just unforgiveable.

“As a force, we are committed to protecting the children in our town and we are hopeful that this result allows the victims to put the experience behind them and allows them to live as the children they are.

“This was a complex and challenging investigation with a lot of moving parts and I would to thank members of both the Challenger and CCE teams who were committed to achieving justice in this matter.

“We will continue to work to take drugs off our city’s streets and to prevent children from being coerced into doing something they don’t want to do.”

Anyone with any concerns about drug activity within their communities is asked to dial 101 or visit www.gmp.police.uk and use the Live Chat Function.

The independent charity, Crimestoppers, can be contacted on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, always dial 999.