‘Good news for the communities of Longsight, Ardwick, Gorton and Fallowfield’The men now behind bars(Image: GMP)

A drugs gang has been brought down after a major police investigation sparked by a daylight shooting in central Manchester.

Six men have been jailed – with an 18 year-old man also convicted and sentenced – in what senior detectives called ‘good news for the communities of Longsight, Ardwick, Gorton and Fallowfield‘.

The sentences – collectively totalling more than 20 years – followed a long-running police investigation into the organised supply of drugs in Longsight and Ardwick.

GMP’s operation began after a shooting in broad daylight in December 2023 near to the O2 Apollo in Ardwick. There were no reports of any injuries, but police said ‘intelligence gathered by detectives’ led to the incident being linked to the supply and distribution of heroin and crack cocaine.

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Undercover covert techniques were used to build evidence and police raids in March this year led to arrests.

Following a hearing at Manchester Crown Court on Tuesday, Baraskos Shaw, 20, of Richmond Grove, Longsight, was jailed for three years and three months for conspiracy to supply crack cocaine and heroin, and possession of an offensive weapon.

Justin Shaw, 45, of Dean Road, Gorton, got three years and 11 months for conspiracy to supply crack cocaine and heroin, and possession of an offensive weapon.

Danika Hamilton, 37, of Kirkmanhulme Lane, Longsight was sentenced to three years and four months for supplying and being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin.

Police at the scene in the aftermath of the shooting(Image: Manchester Evening News)

Kyle McCabe, 20, of Keswick Close, Longsight, was jailed for three years and four months for supplying and being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin. Kieran Casey, 22, of Cochrane Avenue, Longsight. got three for supplying and being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin.

Shyrone Campbell, 23, of Stanley Grove, Longsight, was sentenced to three years, four months for supplying and being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin. Police found 47 grams of crack cocaine, valued at £4,700, and 119 grams of cocaine, valued at £4,760, at his home.

An 18-year-old man was also sentenced to a two-year suspended sentence and rehabilitation order. Police said larges knives were also found, together with £4,640 in cash.

Detective Sergeant Mark Graham, of GMP’s City of Manchester Central Challenger Team, said there have been no further firearms discharges in the area since their arrest.

He said: “Today’s sentences are good news for the communities of Longsight, Ardwick, Gorton and Fallowfield. Activity from organised crime gangs can often lead to serious violence, including assaults, kidnaps, and the use of weapons such as firearms and knives.

“The sentences are the result of a sustained and intelligence-led investigation into organised crime in Manchester. The profit generated from the supply of Class A drugs is substantial, and historically, this wealth has been used to cement organised crime groups in the area and assert control.

“Intelligence received throughout the investigation, including from undercover officers, consistently linked the supply of controlled drugs to such incidents, painting a clear picture of the harm being caused. The impact on the community has been profound – not only through the violence but also through the rise in crimes like burglary, theft, and street robbery.”