Four jailed for more than 34 years after firearms and ammunition discovery in Salford

• Joshua Gallier (20/11/2001) of NFA was sentenced to 10 years 10 months for conspiracy to supply class A drugs, possession of a firearm and possession of ammunition.
• Phillip Wakefield (22/01/1976) of Cromwell Road, Eccles, was sentenced to eight years and nine months for conspiracy to possess firearms and ammunition and possession with intent to supply class A drugs (cocaine and heroin).
• Adrian Nagenda (27/06/2002) of Liverpool Road, Irlam was sentenced to 11 years and 10 months for conspiracy to possess firearms, possession with intent to supply class A drugs, and conspiracy to commit robbery.
• Laura Taylor (28/01/1998) of Philip Street, Eccles was previously sentenced on March 25 for two years and eight months for conspiracy to supply class A drugs and possession of a firearm.

On 27 September 2023, at 8:07am on Fitzwarren Street, Salford, police received a call after a member of the public found ammunition in the car park of a supermarket.

Upon arrival, officers found a magazine containing bullets was present. Forensic examination revealed that the modified cartridges constituted ammunition.

Enquiries established that an incident occurred around 11pm on the previous night (26 September) when an officer attempted to stop a vehicle on Fitzwarren Street.  The vehicle made off and was abandoned in the car park, causing damage to the car park wall.

CCTV footage showed the car entering the car park and colliding into the wall.  A short time later the car was driven away by a man identified as Phillip Wakefield.

A warrant was secured to search addresses linked to Wakefield where four pistols, a sawn off shotgun, ammunition and a silencer were recovered.

Wakefield and Nagenda had previously been arrested during which mobile phones, weapons and drugs were recovered from their properties.

Seized mobile phones enabled detectives to establish the hierarchy of the group and identify all those involved. The phones revealed conversations between the group, organising firearms collections, the running of drugs lines dealing in cocaine and heroin and discussing the cash they have from the sale of drugs. 

Detective Inspector Rebecca McGuigan, of our Salford Challenger Team, said: “These sentences are excellent results as we have managed to remove several dangerous weapons and offenders off the streets.

“I hope this result shows that we remain committed to pursuing people who think they are above the law and believe they can evade justice.

“What started as an initial attempt to stop a vehicle resulted in us uncovering an organised crime group who had several dangerous weapons, drugs and cash from their criminal activities.

“Our Challenger teams across Greater Manchester are committed to tackling county lines and we will act upon any concerns or information the community give to us to tackle serious and organised crime for good.

“If you are concerned about criminal activity within your area, you can report this to us directly on 101 or by reporting information using our online report tool at www.gmp.police.uk”