Three men who supplied approximately 13 kilos of cocaine and discussed criminal cash assets of over £1.1 million have been jailed for over 35 years in the latest under Operation Venetic – the UK’s biggest ever law enforcement operation.
Jake Meade 33, Taunton Road, Chadderton, Dale Reid 31, of Saxwood Avenue, Blackley, and Liam McGrath 35, of no fixed abode, were all jailed yesterday after pleading guilty to conspiring to supply class A drugs.
Police found that Meade played the leading role in the organised crime group who used encrypted phones to operate and distribute cocaine.
The group supplied over 13 kilos of cocaine over a seven week period with prices ranging from £37k to £40k per kilo.
Following analysis of encrypted messages over a seven week period, it was found that the group were involved in the high level supply of multi-kilo quantities of cocaine. Meade, operating under the name of ‘Cookietender’ on his device, orchestrated events with the assistant of Reid – also known as ‘Navalhound’ and ‘Usualbee’. Both men then utilised their trusted courier and storeman, McGrath.
In the messages it was also revealed that the three discussed purchasing a van and installing a hide within it to conceal their drugs and money rather than using a backpack. Their drug dealing operation came to an end when officers swooped in and arrested Meade and Reid following a warrants on 30 July 2020.
Officers seized over £43k in cash, three vehicles, large amounts of designer clothing, handbags and jewellery including a Cartier watch and bracelet, a diamond ring and Louis Vuitton bracelets.
A proceeds of crime hearing will now follow seeking to reclaim the criminally acquired assets and properties.
Meade was jailed for 14 years and five months for conspiracy to supply class A drugs and facilitate the acquisition/acquire/possess criminal property.
Reid was jailed for 14 years and five months and McGrath was jailed for seven years at Manchester Crown Court, Crown Square, both for conspiracy to supply class A drugs.
