‘Breaking Bad’ drugs plot boss shot in street
‘TARGETED’ ATTACK INVESTIGATED
A CONVICTED drugs boss shot in the street in Bury is believed to have been the victim of a ‘targeted attack.’
Neil Strong was jailed four years ago for his part in a ‘Breaking Bad ’style plot to make £1.6m making amphetamine in a suburban house, the M.E.N. can reveal.
He was shot in the ‘upper body’ on Harris Drive, a quiet street in Unsworth, Whitefield, yesterday.
The 36-year-old was the head of a gang caught red-handed setting up a drugs lab in a detached house in Radcliffe, and one of four men jailed in 2014.
The gang had been under observation for months by officers from the National Crime Agency (NCA). Their drugs lab was set up in the garage of the house in Woodvale Road. Mr Strong is now in a serious condition. Residents reported hearing gunshots being fired at around 8.50am.
Police have now said they are treating it as a ‘targeted attack.’
Chief Inspector Phil Spurgeon, of GMP’s Bury Borough, said: “Our investigation remains in its early stages but I can confirm that from the information we have we are treating this as a targeted attack, and there is not believed to be any wider threat to the community.
“We have increased reassurance patrols and dedicated armed response officers are patrolling the area, so I would encourage local residents to approach officers if they have any worries or concerns. “If you have any information relating to this incident, no matter how small or insignificant you think it may seem, I would ask you to please pick up the phone and contact police.” It is understood Mr Strong drove himself to Fairfield Hospital in a grey van. It was later cordoned off by police in the hospital car park. The van had a punctured tyre and what appeared to be a gunshot hole through the passenger door. In 2016, a Land Rover was blown up on the same street.
From the information we have we are treating this as a targeted attack Chief Inspector Phil Spurgeon
Mr Strong was sentenced to four years at Manchester Crown Court for conspiracy to supply amphetamine in February 2014.
Originally from Prestwich, Mr Strong had been orchestrating the drugs plot from his luxury villa in Alicante, Spain. His three associates were jailed for 32 months, 30 months and 30 months respectively for their roles in the conspiracy.
The men bought barrels of dangerous chemicals to produce pure amphetamine paste.
When officers raided the lab at the house in August 2013, Mr Strong, who had flown in to oversee the production process, and two of the crime group members, were about to start making their first batch of amphetamine, worth £1.6m.
Mr Strong tried to evade arrest by jumping over a fence, but failed.
Chemicals, an electric mixer, scales, a 10-tonne press, a vacuum packing machine and other drugs paraphernalia were recovered. More presses were found at stables owned by Mr Strong at Nutt Lane in Prestwich, while containers full of the chemicals were seized at his Spanish villa.
Assets including properties and a yacht belonging to Mr Strong were seized as part of the financial investigation.
After being released from prison, Mr Strong was hit with a serious crime prevention order in April 2016.
That placed restrictions on his freedom in a bid to prevent him from becoming involved in drugs crime again.
Mr Strong was banned from having more than one mobile phone, laptop or tablet, and from carrying more than £3,000 in cash.
He was also compelled to give notice of any planned trip abroad and has to provide details of any vehicle he rents or buys.
He attempted to get the ban lifted in January 2017, but three senior judges at London’s Criminal Appeal Court refused.
In a statement concerning the shooting, a Greater Manchester Police spokesman said: “Shortly before 8.50am on Monday, June 18, police were called to Harris Drive, Unsworth, to reports of a firearms discharge.
“A short time later a man in his 30s presented himself at hospital with injuries to his upper body.
“He remains in a serious condition. Detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and there are increased police patrols in the nearby area.
“Anybody with information should contact police on 0161 856 8172 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”