Damon Greenslade, who posed in selfies with wads of cash, was found to be operating a major drugs line – recruiting and threatening juveniles to distribute drugs across Cheshire
A diamond-toothed drug boss who took selfies with wads of cash saw his empire crumble as he was jailed for 16 years.
Damon Greenslade was found to be operating the ‘DMO’ drugs line, recruiting and threatening juveniles to distribute drugs – including cocaine and MDMA – across Cheshire. The 33-year-old, who tattooed the name of the line on himself, as well the phrase “can’t stop, won’t stop,” was joined large by a network of street-level dealers and couriers to help him circulate large amounts of gear. He had already been arrested twice and bailed in connection with the investigation, and despite police closing in on him, Greenslade changed his address and continued to operate the major drugs line. He was arrested for a final time in August last year along with 12 others in the organised crime group – who were sentenced to a total of over 46 years.
A court heard how the ‘DMO’ drug line offered special discounts, treasure hunts and “complimentary” cannabis to shamelessly draw in more customers. The group also sent flare messages and advertised drugs on social media, as well as bespoke items adorned with the brand name, such as lighters, Manchester Evening News reports.
Between March 21, 2020 and June 21, 2023, the drugs line supplied cocaine, MDMA, cannabis and other illicit substances, across Congleton in Cheshire and surrounding areas, a court heard. Damon Greenslade controlled the line and recruited juveniles into the group to act as street dealers.
Accomplices Patrick Bruce and Daniel Greenslade were responsible for supplying Damon with the bulk amounts of drugs. Damon Greenslade was then responsible for the large-scale supply and distribution of cocaine, MDMA, cannabis and THC edibles in the area and surrounding towns. The drugs were sourced from beyond county lines, often with junior members of the OCG being sent to collect the drugs and return them to several market towns within Cheshire. Next in command to Damon Greenslade were Lewis Charlesworth, Reece Evans and Jason Acton, who each controlled street-level dealers. These included Kane Smith, Nathan Edge, Bradley Dale and Ethan Taylor, a court was told.
Dillon Sweeney was a courier, delivering and collecting drugs and money on behalf of Damon Greenslade. Sutton acted as a middleman between Patrick Bruce and Damon Greenslade, as well as being responsible for drug supply in Alderley Edge. Tyler Meadows assisted in the storage and exchange of significant quantities of drugs and cash.
Operation Chekov was launched by Cheshire Police as a proactive investigation into the group. Officers compiled extensive evidence of a phone number attribute to the ‘DMO’ line which was sending messages relating to drugs supply.
During the investigation large amounts of cannabis, cocaine, and other illicit drugs with a combined estimated street value of up to £81,008 were seized. Police also recovered a total of £41,433.73 in cash, in addition to other high value items such as jewellery, vehicles and designer goods. The OCG as a whole is believed to have supplied up to 333kg of cannabis and between 8 and 9kg of cocaine, Cheshire Police said.
In January 2021, Evans and Smith were arrested in Congleton for drugs supply offences. The home address of Damon Greenslade was also searched in January 2021 but despite this, the drugs line remained active, with him becoming paranoid about police. He had changed his address and was constantly reporting on the movements of drones and police vehicles.
In January 2022, police executed four raids in Congleton and Macclesfield, targeting Damon Greenslade, Charlesworth, and Evans. A mobile phone was seized from the bedroom of Damon Greenslade which was confirmed to be the graft phone in control of the ‘DMO’ drug line. The remainder of the suspects were then identified as being part of the OCG following the forensic download of the mobile phone.
In June 2023, a strike day was conducted targeting addresses in Cheshire and Greater Manchester. During the strike action almost all of the OCG members were arrested, and cash and drugs were seized. Tyler Meadows was arrested for her involvement on 31 July 2023.
Members of the organised crime group have now been sentenced to a combined total of more than 46 years for their involvement. A total of 13 individuals appeared at Chester Crown Court between Wednesday 30 April and Friday 2 May for their role in the conspiracy.
The following were sentenced for conspiracy to supply both class A and B drugs:
- Damon Greenslade, 33, of Dale Crescent, Congleton (also charged with being concerned in the supply of class A) – 16 years and four months
- Daniel Greenslade, 34, of Ambleside Close, Macclesfield – 10 years and three months
- Reece Evans, 23, of Fern Crescent, Congleton – Seven years
- Jed Sutton, 26, of Heywood Close, Alderley Edge – Six years
- Lewis Charlesworth, 20, of Woolston Avenue, Congleton (also charged with being concerned in the supply of class A) – Four years and six months
- Kane Smith, 22, of Dale Crescent, Congleton – 16 months suspended for 18 months
- Tyler Meadows, 23, of Dale Crescent, Congleton – 21 months suspended for two years
- Jason Acton, 23, of Brown Street, Congleton – Two-year Community Order
- Nathan Edge, 21, of Shaw Close, Congleton (also charged with being concerned in the supply of class B) – Two-year Community Order
The following were sentenced for conspiracy to supply class B drugs:
- Patrick Bruce, 41, of Bessancourt, Holmes Chapel – Three years and 10 months
- Dillon Sweeney, 29, of Birch Street, Ashton-under-Lyne (also charged with being concerned in the supply of class A) – 18 months suspended for 18 months
- Bradley Dale, 20, of West Street, Congleton (also charged with being concerned in the supply of class B) – 12-month Community Order
- Ethan Taylor, 20, of High Lowe Avenue, Congleton (also charged with producing class B and being concerned in the supply of class B) – 12-month Community Order
Detective Constable Sam Needham of Cheshire Police said: “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.
“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.”