The lavish lifestyle of a crime boss, funded by cocaine and flaunted through luxury holidays and expensive Rolex watches, has come to a dramatic end following a significant police operation.
Keiron Leonard, 32, has been sentenced to more than 14 years in prison after being identified as the head of a organised crime group supplying cocaine across Greater Manchester.
The Gang and Their Operation
An investigation into the supply of cocaine in the Bolton and Bury areas was launched by Greater Manchester Police in November 2023.
Leonard, from Corston Grove in Blackrod, Bolton, was the mastermind, arranging for large quantities of cocaine to be brought in. His right-hand man, Rhys Shaw, 34, of Albert Road in Bury, was responsible for supplying street dealers and collecting cash from drug sales.
The third member, Mark Cosgrave, 52, of Medlock Way in Bury, played a crucial role by storing drugs at his home. He worked to dilute the cocaine with adulterants to maximise profits before repackaging and supplying it.
The Takedown and Seizures
Between November 2023 and May 2024, the gang was responsible for supplying approximately 14 kilos of cocaine. The trio were arrested in May 2024.
During searches, police found damning evidence at their homes. At Cosgrave's address, officers discovered cocaine worth £24,000, along with adulterants and a hydraulic press used in the drug preparation process.
Shaw was found with £7,000 in cash. The most telling signs of Leonard's criminal profits were seized from his home: three Rolex watches with a combined value exceeding £80,000.
Justice Served and Community Impact
At sentencing, Keiron Leonard received a prison term of 14 years and three months. Rhys Shaw was sentenced to seven years and six months, while Mark Cosgrave was jailed for six years and nine months. All three were convicted of being concerned in the supply of cocaine.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police stated that Leonard was clearly living a lavish lifestyle as a direct result of his criminality, which included frequent luxury holidays and wearing designer clothing and expensive watches.
Detective Inspector Waywell, of the Bolton Challenger Unit, expressed his pleasure with the sentences. He said, "I hope it sends a stark message to anyone looking to commit drug offences... Our Challenger team will always pursue and actively target those involved in the supply of drugs, as this criminality causes misery for those in our communities and often involves the exploitation of children and vulnerable people."
He also urged the public to continue reporting any suspicious activity, highlighting its vital role in police investigations.
