A drug dealer has been jailed after specialist officers infiltrated his encrypted device and uncovered evidence of large-scale drug dealing across the North East. 

Paul Richardson, 36, joins his associates, Craig Fraser and Christopher Finlay behind bars. Together, they operated under the radar to source and sell cocaine and cannabis during the Covid 19 pandemic.

The group were arrested in December 2020 - just months after Northumbria Police carried out a complex investigation that showed the trio sourcing illegal drugs and using hire cars to drop off their shipments between March and June.

The Northern Echo:

In spring this year, Finlay and Fraser were both jailed after appearing at Newcastle Crown Court and admitting conspiracy to supply.

And on Monday, October 30, Richardson, of Englefield Close, Kingston Park appeared at the same court where he pleaded guilty to the same charge and was jailed for a total of 11 years and eight months.

His sentence brings the overall total to 29-and-a-half years’ imprisonment for the group.

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A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: "Illegal drug supply causes pain and suffering in our communities as it exploits those who struggle with addiction and it also brings with it the threat of violence.

"We will continue to target offenders, build intelligence on their activity, and ensure they find themselves before the courts and we'll use every tool at our disposal to do this."

Anyone who would like to report any suspicious behaviour, can visit the Northumbria Police website and use the ‘Tell Us Something’ page.