An Oldham man who transported more than 100 kilograms of cocaine across the country on behalf of organised crime groups has been jailed for more than ten years.
Described by the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit (NWROCU) as a 'courier for hire', Andrew Moore, of Kenyon Avenue in Oldham, was sentenced on Friday (August 14) to 12 years in prison after admitting conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.
Sophisticated hidden compartments
Minshull Street Crown Court heard that an investigation by NWROCU found Moore, 36, had transported 'significant' quantities of cocaine around the country in vehicles with 'sophisticated' hidden compartments between March and November last year.
Moore played a 'significant' role in supporting 'at least two' organised crime groups, NWROCU said.
"He was entrusted to travel from Greater Manchester to locations in the South East of England, close to major ports," the force said. "He would collect cocaine consignments that had entered the country from mainland Europe before transporting them back to the North West for onward distribution."
M6 services stop
On November 17, 2025, Moore was stopped at Keele Services on the M6 after making a trip to Ashford in Kent. "A search of his van uncovered 11kg of cocaine concealed within a sophisticated hide built into the vehicle," the force said, adding that the haul had an estimated value of more than £1 million.
Further investigation into Moore's criminal activity indicated he had been involved in the transportation of in excess of 120kg of cocaine.
Investigation outcome
Detective Inspector Mike Robinson, from the NWROCU's Operations Team, said Moore had been a 'trusted courier' for organised crime groups.
"The sophisticated concealments used in his vehicle demonstrate the lengths criminals will go to in an attempt to evade law enforcement, but this case shows that no matter what methods are employed, we will continue to identify, disrupt and dismantle those involved in serious and organised crime."
"The seizure of 11kg of cocaine prevented a substantial quantity of harmful drugs from reaching communities, and the wider investigation revealed Moore's involvement in transporting well over 120kg of cocaine. Today's sentence reflects the seriousness of his offending."
