We use some essential cookies to make our website work. We’d like to set additional cookies so we can remember your preferences and understand how you use our site.
You can manage your preferences and cookie settings at any time by clicking on “Customise Cookies” below. For more information on how we use cookies, please see our Cookies notice.
Your cookie preferences have been saved. You can update your cookie settings at any time on the cookies page.
Your cookie preferences have been saved. You can update your cookie settings at any time on the cookies page.
Sorry, there was a technical problem. Please try again.
This site is a beta, which means it's a work in progress and we'll be adding more to it over the next few weeks. Your feedback helps us make things better, so please let us know what you think.
Members of a county line drugs gang have been handed sentences totalling over 17 years for their part in supplying illegal drugs throughout Greater Manchester using an organised phone line in Oldham.
A joint policing operation between GMP’s force County Lines Team and our Oldham Complex Safeguarding Team uncovered thousands of flare messages being sent to contacts advertising crack and heroin branded as the ‘Jay & Killer’ line.
Through maximising overt and covert policing tactics, we gathered intelligence to corroborate that the ‘Jay & Killer’ county line is part of an organised crime group supplying Class A drugs.
The dedicated line was investigated over six months, and it is believed that over that time, the crime operation distributed 5KG of Class A drugs with an estimated street value of £150K.
On 25th July 2024, officers executed warrants at nine addresses across Oldham, Chadderton, Stalybridge, and Rochdale and arrested six adults and two teenagers.
The adults were charged and remanded that day, and the teenagers were safeguarded following further evidence that raised serious concerns of exploitation.
The two boys, both aged 14, were recruited and used as drug runners for the gang. They were groomed by criminals and coerced to commit crimes and participate in risky behaviour.
Ahmod was identified as the suspected controller of the dedicated drugs line.
The runners, who were identified through call data on the drugs line, all had a common number. Their mobile data showed a similar pattern of high-volume text messages and short incoming and outgoing calls.
All six defendants pleaded guilty at Manchester Crown Court on 21 January 2025, on the second day of what would otherwise have been a six-week trial.
The 6th defendant will be sentenced on 12th May.
Hearings will now be looked at under the Proceeds of Crime Act to seize any assets gained as a result of criminal activity.
Detective Inspector Andy Barrett from GMP’s Oldham Complex Team said: “All of these individuals are part of a system that preys on the vulnerable and brings nothing but misery to our communities.
“In our investigation, we identified two victims of child criminal exploitation, who were used as a commodity to help the gang make money, and to face the dangers on the streets that they didn’t have to. Our specialist partners agencies are now supporting them.
“Tackling organised crime and the violence and exploitation that accompanies county lines remains a priority for the force. We are working tirelessly to disrupt the offenders and take those responsible off the streets.
“If you have information about someone you suspect is involved in the supply of illegal drugs or are concerned about someone vulnerable to exploitation by these gangs please contact us.
“You can report information to the police on 101, via gmp.police.uk, or by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”