A SUSPECTED drug dealer has been charged after police seized Class A drugs with an estimated street value of around £1,000,000.

The activity, which took place on Friday follows on from the large-scale investigation launched by Northumbria Police in the aftermath of the tragic deaths of three university students last October.

A continued clampdown on the illegal sale and distribution of drugs on Tyneside has continued and as part of the ongoing operation, officers executed a warrant at property in South Gosforth where they seized 20kg of cocaine, a quantity of mixing agents as well as two kilograms of 2CB, Ketamine and LSD.

Further searches inside the property also led officers to a shotgun, handgun and ammunition which were also seized.

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A 28-year-old man was arrested nearby and taken into custody.

His arrest sparked a search of a second address in the West End of Newcastle, where officers recovered £5,000 cash as well as a range of electronic devices.

He was subsequently charged with six offences, including conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and possession of a prohibited weapon and appeared at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court yesterday (Monday) where he was remanded until his next appearance at Newcastle Crown Court, on November 1.

Reaffirming the Force’s stance on organised crime, Superintendent Jonathan Bensley of Northumbria Police said: “We have made it abundantly clear that we will not tolerate the sale and distribution of harmful and highly addictive substances on our streets.

"They have serious consequences for our communities and for the vulnerable people living in them.

“As part of Operation Sentinel, the Force’s dedicated initiative to tackling serious and organised crime, we will continue to disrupt the supply chain, dismantle the organisations behind these so-called businesses, and bring anyone who is involved in this type of criminality and caught abusing the law to justice.

“I hope this activity shows we are committed to ensuring the North East remains a safe place to live and work.”

Cllr John-Paul Stephenson, Newcastle City Council cabinet member for Public Health and Culture, said: “We all know the devastating impact that drugs have on users, their families and the wider community.

"It’s always positive to hear when significant amounts of illegal substances are seized and those seeking to benefit from the misfortune of others are brought before the courts.

“Enforcement activity such as the exceptional work conducted here by Northumbria Police really supports the work we’re doing, alongside the police and the Police and Crime Commissioner, through the Project ADDER Accelerator.

"Together, we’re working to tackle drug-related crime, substance misuse, and improve the services that help individuals and families get help for their drug use and recover.

“That support to the end user to help them transform their life is just as important as the arrests and seizures that are made to tackle supply.

"I would urge anybody who is concerned for a friend or a loved one’s drug use, or for their own wellbeing, to get help from the services listed on our website.”

Drug and alcohol support services - newcastle.gov.uk/services/public-health-wellbeing-and-leisure/public-health-services/drugs-and-alcohol

Anyone who would like to report suspicious behaviour or activity can do so using the Tell us Something page on Northumbria police's website.

Alternatively you can contact the independent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555111.

 

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