Drug dealers jailed after GMP's Challenger team investigate drugs line in Salford and Bolton
Two drug dealers, Rylan Cullen and Callum Hope, have been jailed for 63 months and four years respectively after an investigation by Greater Manchester Police's Challenger team. They were found guilty of conspiracy to supply class A and B drugs in Salford and Bolton, using violence against debtors and setting up a drug network. A proceeds of crime hearing is scheduled for May 2025.
Two Men Jailed for Running Drug Line Across Salford and Bolton
A 23-year-old man who set up a county-lines-style network and his 33-year-old associate have been sentenced to a combined total of more than eight years after admitting they conspired to flood streets with crack cocaine, cocaine and cannabis.
Rylan Cullen, of Falcon Drive, Little Hulton, appeared at Manchester Crown Court on Monday, 28 April, where he received five years and three months’ imprisonment. Callum Hope, of Liverpool Road, Eccles, was handed a four-year sentence at the same hearing.
Greater Manchester Police’s Programme Challenger team launched an investigation after tip-offs from the public. On 21 August 2024 officers executed simultaneous dawn raids at addresses in Little Hulton and Eccles, seizing mobile phones later shown to contain thousands of messages documenting street-level deals worth around £20,000.
Detective Inspector Rebecca McGuigan said analysis of the phones revealed a clear hierarchy: Cullen controlled the “business” side, buying bulk quantities, setting prices and managing cash, while Hope acted as the primary street dealer, supervising runners and enforcing debts. Messages also showed the pair threatening violence against customers who owed money.
“These men built their own mini county line, copying the model used by national gangs,” DI McGuigan said. “They exploited vulnerable users, used intimidation and brought associated violence to residential areas. Today’s sentences remove two determined dealers and underline our commitment to dismantling local drug networks.”
Both defendants pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A and Class B drugs. A Proceeds of Crime hearing scheduled for 19 May will determine how much money police can seize from the pair.
Programme Challenger is Greater Manchester Police’s dedicated operation against serious organised crime, targeting everything from drug distribution and child exploitation to firearms and modern slavery. Officers encourage anyone with information about drug dealing or related violence to call 101, use the force’s online reporting tool or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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