A THREE-YEAR investigation said to have been a police force’s biggest-ever drugs crackdown has concluded with dozens of drug dealers jailed.

Prison sentences totalling more than 160 years have been meted out to some of those arrested in a string of raids carried out across Gateshead in April 2018 as part of a drugs crackdown, Operation Salvator.

It was launched alongside the North East Regional Special Operations Unit (NERSOU) in response to figures showing suspected drug-related deaths in the borough had tripled in just a year.

A covert operation was launched in areas of Gateshead known to be experiencing the highest levels of drug misuse in a bid to identify those involved in the supply of Class A drugs, including cocaine and heroin.

Officers spent months gathering intelligence and evidence on those controlling what was known as, ‘drug dealing lines’, where dealers used mobile phones to send out adverts for the drugs they had for sale.

They would send these ads, with prices and availability, to hundreds of vulnerable drug users before meeting at agreed locations to complete the deals.

It resulted in the 2018 raids which saw warrants executed at 34 addresses and led to more than 60 suspected dealers being arrested.

Over the past three years, dozens of offenders have been convicted at court for drugs offences before the final members of the criminal network were jailed last week.

Now, Northumbria Police have revealed that 39 individuals have been jailed for a total of more than 161 years thanks to the hard work and dedication of the officers involved.

Superintendent Jamie Pitt said: “Operation Salvator has been a huge investigation which has put a significant dent in the pockets of organised crime groups in Gateshead.

“It was launched in a bid to address a concerning rise in the number of suspected drug-related deaths and in a matter of days we arrested more than 60 suspected dealers.

“We worked closely with our partners at the local authority and public health to ensure drug users had the necessary support so we could help break the cycle of addiction.

“And, ultimately, what we did see was a reduction in the number of those suspected drugs deaths and a vulnerable community was safeguarded.

“The investigation has now come full circle and to secure sentences totalling more than 160 years is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the detectives who have lived and breathed this operation.”

He pledged that the good work would continue under the banner of Operation Sentinel, but he stressed public support is required, with information on those dealing drugs in local communities.

Salvator was carried out in partnership with Gateshead Council which continues to provide recovery services to those preyed upon by the dealers convicted as part of the operation.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “It would be fair to say drug death figures are a public health emergency throughout the country.

“Unlike a lot of other crime which has fallen during the pandemic, drug crime remains high and with that comes exploitation of the vulnerable too.

“It’s a big concern for me but it’s clear from these results that Northumbria Police has launched a strong fight against drug dealing in our region.

“As well as the tough enforcement, where necessary, we also have to throw a great deal of effort into diversion, education and support if we are going to bring about real change.

“My Violence Reduction Unit is very much supporting Northumbria Police with this.

“We have to put a stop to countless lives being destroyed.

“The drug dealers don’t care, but we do, and I know so many people are with me when I say how pleased I am that those responsible are now behind bars.”

Anyone who wants to report information about drug dealing in their community is encouraged to report it online via the Northumbria Police website.

Information can also be reported by calling 101, or by reporting it anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers, on its freephone hotline, (0800) 555 111.

 

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