A POLICE officer suspended as part of an investigation into the supply of Class A drugs was today (Friday, January 9) committed to crown court.

Northumbria Police officer Gary Steven Christie appeared at Peterlee Magistrates Court accused of misconduct in public office.

The 40-year-old of Silksworth Lane, Sunderland, is one of 11 people charged following a six-month investigation which led to the seizure of several kilos of high purity cocaine with a street value of over £1m.

Officers from the North East Regional Special Operations Unit (NERSOU) charged ten people with conspiring to supply class A drugs.

Around £33,000 in cash was seized along with vehicles and other assets, including several houses, which have been made subject to proceeds of crime applications.

Seven men and three women also appeared at Peterlee Magistrates Court today.

Asa Dobbing, 35, of Ryhope Grange Court, Aidan Dobbing, 30, of Revelston Close, Doxford Park, , Leanne Mariner, 31, of Bonners Raff, and Iain Potts, 27, of Cavendish Place, all Sunderland, were charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs, as well as Christopher Catchpole, 47, of Jack Lawson Terrace, Wheatley Hill, east Durham.

Facing the same charge are Jamie Lee Malloy, 25, of Saint Oswins Street, South Shields, April Ellen Hunter, 19, of Little Bedford Street, North Shields, Kevin Dudley, 39, of Hadrian Road, Jarrow, Simon Peter Loomes, 40, of Windsor Road, Buckinghamshire and Victoria Carter, 24, of Saint Oswins Street in South Shields.

Asa Dobbing has also been charged with aiding, abetting, counselling or procuring misconduct in public office, while Loomes is also accused of possession with intent to supply cocaine, amphetamine and ecstacy and concealing criminal property.

All 11 people were committed to appear at Teesside Crown Court on Friday, January 23.