The men were involved in discussions over the buying, selling, and movement of at least 13 kilos of the drug, valued at between £30,000 and £33,000-a-kilo, during a seven-week period during the first Covid lockdown.
They also discussed criminal cash assets of over £1.1million pol said.
The operation was 'orchestrated' jointly by Jake Meade, 33, and Dale Reid, 31, who had previously served prison terms for dealing.
A court heard their 'trusted courier and storeman' was Liam McGrath, 34, who served in the military for nine years, rising to the rank of corporal.
He earned the Queen's Jubilee Medal and the Iraq Medal during his service, but post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) triggered by his dad's suicide and his experiences in the field saw him turn to drug use and he became involved in a bid to pay off his debts, a judge was told.
This story is from the April 06, 2022 edition of Manchester Evening News.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 06, 2022 edition of Manchester Evening News.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
ASK THE OWNERS ETH not fearing for job after final Wembley showdown
UNITED manager Erik ten Hag has suggested it would be in everyone's interests for new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe to provide clarity on his position.
Ratcliffe and Co might yet shut out the noise and look to future with ETH
THE task for Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his new football leadership team at United is to strip away the noise, measure the misfortune and assess whether Erik ten Hag remains the man to lead them into a new era.
Salford undone by ruthless Leopards
UMYLA Hanley and Josh Charnley scored twice to help Leigh claim their third win of the season with a crushing 40-12 Betfred super League victory over Salford.
Rory: I've not had a row with Tiger!
RORY McIlroy admitted he and Tiger Woods have differing views on the direction of men's golf but denied suggestions of a rift with the 15-time major champion.
UK out of recession
THE UK economy rebounded out of recession with faster-thanexpected growth over the first quarter of 2024, according to official figures.
Call to 'act quickly' on Awaab's Law changes
GOVERNMENT IS ACCUSED OF 'LACKING URGENCY' IN RESPONSE TO CONCERNS
Ringleader jailed over PC's murder
THE mastermind of an armed robbery that ended in a police officer being shot dead has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 40 years.
'Unsafe' staff levels put mums and babies 'at risk'
HEALTH WATCHDOG SLAMS HOSPITAL MATERNITY SERVICES AGAIN
Dealer's flash cars and £237k in cash
‘HIGH LIFE’ CANNABIS CROOK JAILED AFTER RAID ON CITY CENTRE FLAT
'You are a n**ce, find someone your own age'
COURT IS TOLD HOW TEEN TRIED TO END 'RELATIONSHIP’ WITH TEACHER