Operation Rudow: 31 convicted in drugs hotline investigation

A year-long investigation into the supply of heroin and crack cocaine in north Manchester has led to more than 30 people responsible for ‘tearing apart communities and ruining lives’ being convicted. Operation Rudow was launched by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) to tackle drug dealing gangs supplying class A drugs across north Manchester. In one case, an officer posed as an Amazon delivery driver to fool him into opening his front door. Twenty-five of the 31 offenders involved in the drug ring have been handed prison sentences accumulating more than 90 years. Four received suspended sentences, and two were given community orders. Hundreds of officers took part in search warrants at drug dealers’ houses and cannabis farms across the region in February, in which drugs, cash, a Taser, a handgun and ammunition were confiscated. Twenty-nine of the offenders – all men – played a role in the operation of drug hotlines in various areas in north Manchester, where people would place orders via telephone, and meet one of the suppliers in a car or on a bicycle. In Ancoats, the line was known as the “Kieran Line”, supplying heroin and crack cocaine around the Rochdale canal towpath and Woodward park area. A second group of dealers supplying class A drugs around Oldham Road used the “Paddy Line”. One woman was convicted of allowing her premises to be used for the production of cannabis, and another was found guilty of the production of the class B drug. Conor Hegarty, who assisted Michael and James O’Leary with their drugs operation, was found in possession of £2,000 worth of the psychoactive substance spice in Piccadilly Gardens. In January, Matthew Clough was arrested after ramming two police vehicles and throwing a Kinder egg stuffed with heroin and crack cocaine from his car. Detective Chief Inspector Paul Walker said: “Drugs tear apart communities and ruin lives and we are determined to root out and destroy any groups who seek to profit from spreading misery. “People told us they wanted to see drugs tackled where they live, and thanks to community intelligence we have put 25 drug dealers in prison for a total of 90 years “. “These sentences mark the end of a year’s worth of hard work from everyone on my team and I want to thank them all for their efforts in securing this fantastic result. “I hope this shows people how seriously we take these offences and that when communities come to us with concerns about drugs, we will act upon them. “I also hope this serves as a warning to anyone selling drugs on our streets that there is nowhere for you to hide. We will find you and bring you to justice.” The 31 criminals involved in the drugs ring are as follows: James O’Leary, 31, of Millway Walk, Newton Heath, sentenced to 30 months in prison for supplying class A drugs. Michael O’Leary, 27, of Ludgate Road, Newton Heath. Sentenced to 27 months in prison for supplying class A drugs. Conor Hegarty, 20, of Old Mill Street, Ancoats. Sentenced to four years in prison for supplying class A drugs and received an additional six months for possession with intent to supply spice. Paul Gairns, 39, of HMP Manchester. Sentenced to six years in prison for nine offences of supplying heroin and possession of criminal property. Callum Gairns, 19, of Bollington Road. Sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for a year, as well as a three-month curfew and 100 hours of community service for supplying class A drugs. Kieran Farrell, 52, of Willowdene Close, Collyhurst. Sentenced to 32 months in prison for supplying class A drugs. Kieran O’Leary, 32, of Edenbridge Road, Newton Heath. Sentenced to five years in prison for supplying class A drugs. James Denton, 25, of Cherry Ave, Openshaw. Sentenced to 32 months in prison for supplying class A drugs and possession of class A drugs with intent to supply. Jonathon Piper 35, of Clough Road, Manchester. Sentenced to two years in prison for supplying class A drugs. Darren Archer, 39, of Denver Avenue, Mancheste