Northumbria Police: Update – Operations in Newcastle and North Tyneside

September 20, 2012, 2:45 pm

Police have made nine more arrests as part of an operation to tackle suspected drug dealing and organised criminals on Tyneside.

The co-ordinated strikes took place on Thursday morning, September 20, at homes in Newcastle and North Tyneside.

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Nine people were arrested as part of what is a long-running investigation into suspected drug supply – specifically cocaine and amphetamine – in the area.

Men aged 63, 52, 33, 30, two aged 28 and 27 were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply class A and B drugs and are currently in custody. A woman aged 28 was arrested on suspicion of possessing a controlled drug, while a woman aged 31 was arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice.

Arrests and searches took place this morning at addresses in Severus Road in Fenham, Coronation Street in North Shields, Midway in Walker, Appletree Gardens in Walkergate, Heatherslaw Road in Fenham, Clarence House in Wallsend and Adair Avenue in Newcastle.

The investigation – which focuses on the Walker and Longbenton areas – has already seen between £1.5million and £1.75million worth of drugs – mainly cocaine and amphetamine – seized in the lead up to the raids.
This has included 2kg of amphetamine seized in April, and 13.6g of cocaine seized during May, while in June 4kg of cocaine was seized.

Later the same month, 25.4kg of amphetamine was seized, while in July 3kg of amphetamine and a bag with 13.9g of cocaine inside were seized.

Chief Superintendent Gary Calvert, Newcastle Area Commander, said: “The operation this morning has been successful with a number of people currently in custody.

“Drugs have a devastating impact both on the individuals involved in use and supply and the neighbourhoods where they live, through related crime and disorder.
“The operation is a culmination of a long-running investigation and shows we will respond robustly to information we receive about those issues of most concern and the people suspected of causing the most harm in the community.

“The Northumbria Police area remains a safe place to live and operations such as this are an example of the activity we carry out to ensure it stays that way.

“Neighbourhood Policing Teams will continue to work with partners and the community to ensure we are tackling those issues of most concern.”

This mornings activity follows operations which took place on Wednesday, September 19, where nine search warrants were carried out and ten people arrested.

Nine men have been charged with conspiracy to supply drugs and are going through the court process, while a woman has been bailed pending further enquiries.

Information can be reported to police via 101 ext 69191, Crimestoppers anonymously or via www.northumbria.police.uk