A prominent supplier within Manchester’s chemsex scene has been jailed for five years after police uncovered a sophisticated drugs “laboratory” inside his Salford flat.
Cairo Taylor, 29, was apprehended following a raid by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) as part of “Operation Eastnor,” an investigation targeting the supply of substances linked to high-risk sexual activity and exploitation. During the search of his residence on Elmira Way, officers discovered vast quantities of crystal methamphetamine and ketamine. Investigators also seized a 20-litre barrel containing chemicals believed to be used to alter and enhance the quality of the illicit substances before distribution.
Taylor appeared at Manchester Crown Court on Friday, September 25, where he was sentenced to five years imprisonment after pleading guilty to 16 offences relating to the supply of Class A and Class B drugs. A second man who was initially arrested during the operation faced no further action.
The total street value of the drugs seized during the raid is estimated to be between £150,000 and £200,000. Mobile phone data analyzed by police revealed that Taylor was operating at a high level, actively using chemical processes to manipulate drug potency.
Sergeant Adam Culpan of GMP’s City Centre Violence Reduction and Exploitation team described the discovery as a significant blow to the local drugs trade. “The analysis we made found that Taylor was effectively running a drugs laboratory, and since his arrest, a well-known drugs line has ceased operating,” Sgt Culpan said. “This is an extremely uncommon outcome in large-scale drugs investigations, where supply networks are often quickly replaced.”
Operation Eastnor, which launched in March 2025, represents a broader, collaborative effort between GMP, public health agencies, and LGBTQ+ community groups to tackle the specific harms associated with the chemsex market. The initiative seeks to safeguard vulnerable individuals and increase awareness of the risks—which include serious physical injury, exploitation, and death—linked to the use of these substances.
Superintendent Nicola Williams noted that the operation has already achieved significant results by fostering better cooperation between police and healthcare providers. “The sentencing given is another step towards our work to disrupt organised criminality associated with this harm and ensure vulnerable people are safeguarded,” she said.
Duncan Craig OBE, of the harm reduction group We Are Survivors, praised the police engagement with community organizations to help improve safety outcomes.
Greater Manchester Police have reiterated their commitment to pursuing those who profit from the supply of dangerous substances. Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding drug supply or concerns about related harms to contact the police via 101, their website, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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