Man Imprisoned for Coercing Children into Drug Dealing

Arron Kenny, aged 24, has been sentenced to prison after compelling children to engage in the distribution of cocaine and heroin. Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester was informed that Kenny employed violent threats to involve young individuals in his criminal activities within Tameside. Residing on Ashton Old Road in Manchester, Kenny received an 11-year prison sentence on Monday, following his conviction for the supply of cocaine, heroin, and cannabis. Sgt Matthew Elliot, representing Greater Manchester Police, stated: “Using violence or the fear of violence to get the vulnerable in our communities to do deal their drugs is bad enough, but to use a child is just unforgiveable.” Sgt Elliot further commented that the police force is “committed to protecting the children and we are hopeful that this result allows the victims to put the experience behind them and allows them to live as the children they are.” During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Kenny operated a drug distribution network identified as Sam N Marco, overseeing the provision and cultivation of cannabis, along with the transportation of different illicit substances. Police reported that he utilized children to assist in drug supply, tasks which included possessing the drugs and the mobile phone associated with the drug line, as well as collecting payments. Additionally, Kenny engaged a vulnerable adult in his unlawful operation. According to police, he attempted to avoid apprehension following his initial arrest in 2021, vanishing for a short period before law enforcement officials located him again later that same year. Subsequently, officers confiscated a substantial quantity of Class A drugs and currency from his Manchester residence during a December 2021 raid. Investigators discovered that Kenny had been dependent on a driver for his drug dealing activities, as he was suffering from two broken legs at that time. His arrest occurred within the framework of Operation Charger, an initiative targeting the distribution of Class A and Class B drugs in the Tameside region from 2019 to 2021.