A drug courier has been sentenced after a wide-scale police operation targeting organised crime in both the North East and South West of England.
Dylan Kenny, 27, was sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court today (Thursday, July 23) for his involvement in a complex drug operation linked to Class A drug supply.
As part of Operation Sentinel, officers from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU), supported by both Northumbria Police and their counterparts in the Avon and Somerset force, launched a targeted investigation to tackle suspected drug supply and distribution in the North East, in September 2023.
As part of their inquiries, investigators became aware of Kenny’s involvement as a drug courier for the illicit operation and executed a planned strike in November 2023, arresting him in Bristol, where he was found in possession of over a kilogram of cocaine.
Kenny, of Olive Street, South Shields, was subsequently charged with supplying Class A drugs and later pleaded guilty.
He appeared back before the court in Newcastle today (Thursday July 23), when he was sentenced by Judge Edward Bindloss to a two-year term of imprisonment, suspended for 12 months.
Speaking after the sentencing hearing, Detective Inspector Simon Drenon, of NEROCU, praised officers for continuing to take robust action against drug criminality in the region.
He said the outcome of the investigation has been “a fantastic result” for the general community in the North East, with a substantial amount of dangerous drugs and criminal profits seized and removed from the streets plus a two-year prison sentence left hanging over the defendant's head.
“Kenny thought by playing a lesser role in this criminal enterprise that he would escape justice.
“He couldn’t have been more wrong.
“Nobody wants this type of criminality happening in their community and, as shown time and time again, it can lead to a range of other issues such as violence and exploitation.
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“As ever, we would urge the public to remain vigilant and continue to report any concerns or suspicious activity to their local police so swift action can be taken.
“We will continue to work with our partners under Operation Sentinel to dismantle the criminal groups who try to profit from the sale and supply of illegal drugs.”
If anyone has information about drug supply, they can report it to their local police, using the general 101 line, or via the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on (0800) 555111.
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