A Salford-based gangster, who enjoyed a life of extravagance funded by criminal activity, has been handed a lengthy prison sentence. Craig Makinson, 50, lived the high life, complete with expensive cars, luxury holidays to Dubai and Thailand, and a £500,000 house with a swimming pool, all fuelled by his involvement in drug dealing.
Makinson’s downfall came as a result of law enforcement’s successful infiltration of the EncroChat encrypted communication network. He was one of ten men, including Salford drugs kingpin Jamie Rothwell, sentenced for their roles in the criminal enterprise.
The Extent of the Criminal Enterprise
Manchester Crown Court heard details of Makinson’s extensive involvement in drug dealing, specifically cocaine, heroin, and amphetamine, with an estimated value of £2.5 million. He also contributed financially to the purchase of an AK47 assault rifle and collaborated closely with Rothwell. Makinson channelled his illicit earnings into various ventures, including property renovation, the leisure industry, and even a tanning salon.
Jamie Rothwell, 38, of Grindon Avenue, Salford, received a 43-year sentence after admitting to conspiracy to possess firearms and ammunition with intent to endanger life, conspiracy to supply Class A drugs (cocaine), two counts of conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm with intent, and conspiracy to supply Class B drugs (ketamine). His sentence comprised 18 years for drugs offences and a 25-year extended sentence for the firearms offences (21 years in prison, four years on licence).
Craig Makinson, of Springpool, Winstanley, was found guilty of conspiring to possess firearms and ammunition with intent to endanger life, conspiracy to supply cocaine, and conspiracy to possess criminal property. He pleaded guilty to conspiring to supply heroin and amphetamine. He received a 38-year sentence, encompassing 20 years for drugs offences and an 18-year extended sentence for the firearms offences (14 years in prison, four years on licence).
Other Key Players and Their Roles
Several other individuals played significant roles in the criminal network, each receiving substantial sentences for their involvement.
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Zak Rourke, 35, of Deakins Mill Way, Egerton, Bolton: Acted as a ‘conduit’ between the bosses and lower-level members. He was involved in the sale of firearms and ammunition. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess firearms and ammunition with intent to endanger life, conspiracy to supply cocaine and ketamine, and conspiracy to possess criminal property. He was jailed for 18 years.
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James Close, 44, of Henry Street, Leigh: Helped source the AK47 and was trusted by Rothwell. He was taught how to adulterate drugs to increase profits. The judge described him as a ‘violent and dangerous criminal’. He was found guilty of conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent to endanger life, conspiracy to possess ammunition with intent to endanger life, conspiracy to supply cocaine, and conspiracy to possess criminal property. He was sentenced to 36 years (18 years for drugs offences, 18-year extended sentence for firearms offences: 14 years in prison, four years on licence).
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Callum Morris, 33, of Carr Bank Crescent, Atherton: Became involved through his friendship with Close, after they trained in mixed martial arts together. He used an EncroChat phone and developed a ‘close connection’ with Rothwell, storing guns and engaging in cocaine dealing. Messages revealed he agreed to murder someone named Paul Cooper, although the attack never occurred. He was found guilty of conspiracy to murder, conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent to endanger life, conspiracy to possess ammunition with intent to endanger life, conspiracy to supply cocaine, and conspiracy to possess criminal property. He received a 38-year sentence (14 years for drugs offences, 24-year extended sentence for firearms offences: 20 years in prison, four years on licence).
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Terence McDonagh, 34, of Thorncroft Avenue, Astley: Worked for Morris as his driver and agreed to store the AK47. He was found guilty of conspiring to possess firearms and ammunition with intent to endanger life. He was jailed for eight years.
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Andrew Ackers, 39, of Benjamin Road, Wigan: Worked as a driver for Makinson, transporting approximately £700,000 worth of drugs. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine and conspiracy to possess criminal property. He was jailed for ten years and two months.
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Scott Davies, 36, of Courier Place, Wigan: Stored and transported cocaine and heroin for Makinson. He pleaded guilty to conspiring to supply heroin and cocaine. He was jailed for eight-and-a-half years.
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John Stankus, 70, of Wigan Street, Platt Bridge, Wigan: Allowed his home to be used by Makinson for storing and adulterating drugs. He was found guilty of conspiracy to supply cocaine and amphetamine. He was jailed for six years.
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John Moore, 38, of Kendal Drive: Worked for Morris as a driver on at least one occasion. He was found guilty of conspiring to possess criminal property and pleaded guilty to participating in the activities of an organised crime group. He was jailed for 14 months.
Law Enforcement Response
Detective Sergeant Colin Shackleton, the Senior Investigating Officer, commented on the scale of the operation, stating that the supply of Class A drugs was on an ‘industrial scale’, generating ‘eye-watering profits’ for the criminal gang. He noted that the criminals believed they were above the law and that access to their EncroChat messages provided insight into their ‘arrogant, egotistical, and apathetic nature’.
He emphasized the complexity and longevity of the investigation, which spanned years and international borders. He also highlighted the importance of international collaboration, working closely with the National Crime Agency and Spanish authorities to locate fugitives.
Wayne Johns, National Crime Agency senior investigating officer for Operation Venetic, highlighted the NCA’s role in tracing and arresting Jamie Rothwell on two separate occasions, bringing him back from Spain and the Netherlands. He emphasized the NCA’s commitment to tracing wanted offenders and working with partners to bring them to justice. He noted that over 2,200 criminals have been convicted under Operation Venetic, with significant seizures of criminal funds, drugs, and firearms.
Rebecca Macaulay Addison, Specialist Prosecutor for CPS North West’s Complex Casework Unit, stated that the sentencing concluded five years of work by the Crown Prosecution Service, Prosecution Counsel, Greater Manchester Police, and the National Crime Agency. She emphasized the crucial role of EncroChat communications in exposing the criminal activities and highlighted Jamie Rothwell’s leading role in organising drug supply, firearms, ammunition, and directing acts of violence. She confirmed that confiscation proceedings would be pursued to ensure the defendants do not profit from their crimes.