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A Manchester drug dealer who was caught in an undercover drugs operation has been dealt a jail sentence of more than five years.
Leon Beckford, 33, of Booth Road, Little Lever, pleaded guilty to seven counts of supplying class A drugs at Bolton Crown Court and was sentences to five years and 10 months in prison.
Beckford was arrested along with 10 others when police carried out drug raids at 15 homes in the east area of Bury in mid-June.
Warrants were carried out following months of intelligence gathering, which was prompted by reports of drug dealing in and around the Manchester Road Park area.
Members of the public and councillors were invited to witness specialist officers from GMP’s tactical aid and dogs unit carry out the raids.
Chief Superintendent Jon Rush, divisional commander at Bury, said: “This operation was months in the planning and has caused significant disruption to both those who use and supply illegal drugs in Bury.
“These raids form part of our ongoing activity to tackle drug dealing across our borough and people will see further action taking place over the coming months.”
Inspector Charlotte Cadden from Bury East Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “This sentencing for drug dealing in and around the Manchester Road Park area sends out a strong message that both the police and community will simply not tolerate this kind of activity in their neighbourhood.
“Open spaces such as our local parks are places that are there to be enjoyed by families, not to be used by criminals for illicit deals.
“We are continually seeking further information from the public that will help us take even more direct action against those dealing drugs on our streets, and I would like to thank people in Bury for their ongoing support.”
Deputy leader of Bury Council councillor John Smith attended the raids. He said: "This is a great example of how the police and the community can work closely together to help drive drugs out of the area and make places like Manchester Road Park safe for families and young people."
David Billington, 38, of Windermere Drive, Bury, pleaded guilty to two counts of supplying class A drugs and was sentenced to 12 months, suspended for 18 months.
Joseph Hindley, 28, of Bronte Avenue, Bury, pleaded guilty to two counts of supplying class A drugs and was sentenced to 10 months, suspended for 18 months.
Sajid Ali, 31, of Greywood Avenue, Bury, Jordan Young, 20, of Bronte Avenue, Bury, and Jason Sachelle, 35, of Rydal Close, Bury, all pleaded guilty to supplying class A drugs at an earlier hearing and will be sentenced at a later date.
Anyone with information about those involved in drug-related activity in their area should call police at Bury, in confidence if needed, on 101 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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