SALFORD GANG CRIMINALS JAILED

The first swathe of 19 criminals involved in Salford's organised crime underworld have been sentenced following a three-year undercover operation.

This week eleven men and two women have been sentenced for a total of 135 years at Manchester Crown Court, Crown Square, having pleaded guilty at previous hearings.

The sentences follow an intelligence-led police operation that was carried out between February 2012 and March 2015.

In total, 24 people were charged, resulting in convictions for 78 offences, with a further six defendants due to be sentenced at the end of November.

The overall operation has resulted in convictions for a variety of gun and drug crimes.

Twelve people have been convicted of gun trafficking offences and seven firearms have been recovered by police.

Quantities of Class A, B and C drugs have also been recovered; along with drugs paraphernalia and the cutting agent benzocaine used for Class A drug trafficking offences.

In addition, officers uncovered a cannabis farm and recovered three stolen motorbikes.

All of the arrests were made on 9 September 2015 at the culmination of Operation damson in a pro-active intelligence led investigation utilising amongst other tactics undercover officers. The investigation has been conducted by GMP Serious Crime Division.

Foremost among the criminals was Terence William Hamer Snr, who was a constant throughout the three-year period acting as a supplier, broker and facilitator of the supply of firearms and drugs.

Through Hamer Snr, investigators identified a network of criminals involved not only in firearms and drugs, but also stolen goods and violence.

Chief Superintendent Mary Doyle, borough commander of GMP's Salford borough, said: "The scale of this week's sentences demonstrates that people who operate in organised crime in Greater Manchester will be caught, brought before the courts, and made to serve significant jail terms.

"The operation has removed seven guns from the streets of Salford, and directly stopped countless further criminal acts occurring. To remove one gun from the streets is good news, to remove seven is immense."

"The sale of drugs and outbreaks of violence were a consistent feature in the lives of those who became embroiled in this underworld.

"The prison terms highlight how strongly we will deal with those involved in gun crime and drug supply, and should send a clear message to others who are considering a life in organised crime."

Greater Manchester Mayor and Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd said:
“This is tremendous work by Greater Manchester Police, in particular the brave officer who put himself at risk to protect others by collecting the intelligence needed to bring these gangsters and gun-runners to justice.

“Like all police operations, this will have been a huge team effort, and I commend each and every officer involved in catching these dangerous criminals. But I also want to thank those Salfordians who helped provide the local knowledge so vital in helping the police get these thugs off the streets and into jail.”