THE second man at the centre of a region-wide drugs conspiracy which saw officers seize more than 14 kilos of illicit substances has been jailed for more than seven years.
William Trott, 39, appeared at Newcastle Crown Court on Tuesday for his role in a plot to distribute amphetamine and cocaine across the North-East.
Last summer, officers spotted him driving whilst disqualified and arrested him in the Shiney Row area.
Detectives searched his home and found two kilos of cocaine, 12 kilos of amphetamine and other drugs paraphernalia.
Drugs found during police search
Kenneth Hunter
His associate Kenneth Hunter was later arrested. A search of his house led officers to a receipt for a £19,500 speedboat which was then subsequently tracked down and seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act along with other vehicles, including an Audi and a Range Rover.
On May 15, Hunter of St Paul’s Drive, Houghton, was jailed for seven years after admitting conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs.
Trott, of Hedworth Terrace, Shiney Row, who admitted conspiracy to supply Class A drugs, possession with intent to supply Class B drugs, driving while disqualified and without insurance was jailed for seven years and three months.
Detective Sergeant Amber Renton, from Northumbria Police's priority and organised crime team, said: “This sentence marks the end of a lengthy and complex operation for our team and we are pleased with the result.
“As a Force, we work incredibly hard to keep our communities safe from crime and the harm illicit substances can cause.
"We know that people’s lives can be destroyed from drug use and we will continue to pursue those who have a role in supplying, distributing and dealing these awful substances.
“As part of Operation Sentinel, our joined up approach to tackling serious and organised crime, we will continue to carry out strike action, searches and seizing items to disrupt and prevent offenders continuing their illicit activities.
“I hope today serves as a warning to anyone involved in this kind of criminality. We will pursue you and bring you before the courts and thanks to the Proceeds of Crime Act, we will strip you of your assets and anything of value your life of crime has afforded you.”
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