Damon Greenslade ran the notorious 'Dmo' line, responsible for flooding Cheshire's streets with drugs. He even had the name of the line and the phrase 'can't stop, won't stop' tattooed on his body.

He manipulated juveniles into joining his illicit operation, using threats and violence to maintain control. Greenslade was supplied with large quantities of drugs, which he distributed through an extensive network of street-level dealers and couriers.

Despite being arrested twice and bailed during the investigation, Greenslade brazenly continued his operations by changing his address and maintaining the major drug line.

However, his reign came to an abrupt end when he was finally apprehended in August last year along with 12 other members of the organised crime group. They have now been collectively sentenced to over 46 years, reports the Manchester Evening News.

The court heard how the 'DMO' drug line shamelessly enticed customers with special discounts, treasure hunts and 'complimentary' cannabis joints. They used flare messages and social media to advertise their illegal wares and even had customised items bearing the brand name, such as lighters.

From 21 March 2020 to 21 June 2023, a drug operation was in full swing within Congleton, Cheshire and its surrounding areas, dealing in cocaine, MDMA, cannabis and other illegal substances, according to court proceedings. The mastermind behind the operation, Damon Greenslade, enlisted minors into his group to function as street dealers.

His associates, Patrick Bruce and Daniel Greenslade, were tasked with providing Damon with large quantities of drugs. Damon Greenslade then oversaw the extensive supply and distribution of cocaine, MDMA, cannabis and THC edibles across the area and neighbouring towns.

The drugs were procured from beyond county lines, often involving junior members of the Organised Crime Group (OCG) who were sent to retrieve the drugs and bring them back to various market towns within Cheshire.

Reporting directly to Damon Greenslade were Lewis Charlesworth, Reece Evans and Jason Acton, each managing their own set of street-level dealers. These included Kane Smith, Nathan Edge, Bradley Dale and Ethan Taylor, the court heard.

Dillon Sweeney served as a courier, responsible for delivering and collecting drugs and money on behalf of Damon Greenslade. Sutton played the role of an intermediary between Patrick Bruce and Damon Greenslade, while also overseeing drug supply in Alderley Edge.

Tyler Meadows was involved in storing and exchanging significant amounts of drugs and cash.

Cheshire Police initiated Operation Chekov, a proactive investigation into a suspected organised crime group. The officers gathered substantial evidence of a phone number linked to the 'Dmo' line, which was found to be sending messages related to drug dealing.

Throughout the investigation, police seized large quantities of cannabis, cocaine and other illegal drugs with an estimated street value of up to £81,008. Additionally, they recovered cash amounting to £41,433.73, along with high-value items such as jewellery, vehicles and designer goods.

According to Cheshire Police, the crime group is suspected to have distributed up to 333kg of cannabis and between 8 and 9kg of cocaine.

In January 2021, Evans and Smith were arrested in Congleton on charges of drug supply. Damon Greenslade's home was also searched that same month.

Despite these actions, the drug line remained active, with Greenslade growing increasingly paranoid about police surveillance. He changed his address frequently and reported sightings of drones and police vehicles regularly.

Fast forward to January 2022, police conducted four raids in Congleton and Macclesfield, targeting Greenslade, Charlesworth, and Evans. A mobile phone, confirmed to be the graft phone controlling the 'Dmo' drug line, was seized from Greenslade's bedroom.

The remaining suspects were identified as members of the organised crime group following the forensic examination of the seized mobile phone.

In a major crackdown on crime, Cheshire and Greater Manchester were the focus of a strike day in June 2023, which saw the arrest of nearly all members of an organised crime group (OCG), with substantial amounts of cash and drugs confiscated. Tyler Meadows was apprehended for her part in the criminal activities on 31 July 2023.

The gang members have since faced justice, receiving a collective sentence exceeding 46 years for their crimes. A total of 13 individuals were brought before Chester Crown Court from Wednesday 30 April to Friday 2 May, all implicated in a drug distribution conspiracy.

Sentences were handed down for conspiring to supply both class A and B drugs, as well as separate sentences for those involved in the supply of class B drugs alone.

Detective Constable Sam Needham of Cheshire Police commented on the case: "This has been a lengthy and complex investigation into a group of people intent on bringing illegal substances into Cheshire. These individuals thought they could reap the benefits of their criminal activity, purchasing high value items such as jewellery, vehicles, and designer goods, but this case demonstrates that crime really does not pay."

He further revealed the manipulative tactics of Damon Greenslade, who ran the Dmo drugs line: "Damon Greenslade, who controlled the Dmo drugs line, specifically sought out and exploited juveniles into the ranks of the crime group, threatening and using violence to maintain control over those younger members, no doubt promising them rewards in return for their work.

"However, Damon Greenslade – who bragged 'can't stop, won't stop' and even had the phrase tattooed on himself along with the name of the drugs line – now has 16 years in prison to contemplate his actions and be reminded of his corrupt decisions.

"I hope the severity of the sentence handed down to Damon Greenslade in particular serves as a warning to those involved in similar criminality that this activity will not be tolerated in Cheshire."