Cheshire, England – Thirteen members of an organized crime group (OCG) have been sentenced to a combined total of more than 46 years in prison for their involvement in a large-scale drug trafficking operation. The group was responsible for the supply of class A and B drugs across Congleton and surrounding towns in Cheshire.
The sentences were handed down at Chester Crown Court between April 30 and May 2, 2025, for the role each individual played in the conspiracy to supply illicit substances, including cocaine, MDMA, cannabis, and THC edibles. Among those sentenced were Damon Greenslade (33) and Daniel Greenslade (34), who were key figures in the operation. Damon Greenslade received 16 years and four months, while Daniel Greenslade was sentenced to 10 years and three months.
The ‘Dmo’ drug line, which operated between March 2020 and June 2023, was uncovered as part of a proactive investigation called Operation Chekov. The investigation revealed that Damon Greenslade was responsible for the large-scale distribution of drugs sourced from outside Cheshire, often with junior members of the OCG being tasked with collecting and delivering the drugs.
Reece Evans (23) received a seven-year sentence for his role, and several others, including Jed Sutton (26), Lewis Charlesworth (20), and Kane Smith (22), were also sentenced for their participation in the conspiracy. Other members received community orders or suspended sentences for lesser roles in the operation.
Throughout the investigation, law enforcement officers seized significant quantities of illicit drugs with an estimated street value of £81,008. Cash totaling £41,433.73 was also recovered, along with high-value items such as jewellery, vehicles, and designer goods. The group was responsible for supplying up to 333kg of cannabis and between 8-9kg of cocaine.
The group used various marketing tactics, including social media, traditional flare messages, and even offering special discounts and “complimentary” cannabis joints to attract customers. Damon Greenslade even had tattoos related to the drug line and used branded items, such as lighters, to promote it.
The investigation revealed that despite multiple arrests, Damon Greenslade continued to run the operation until his final arrest in August 2024. The group was ultimately dismantled in June 2023 following a large-scale strike operation that led to the arrest of almost all involved.
