Drugs raids: Men charged

Nine men have been charged with conspiring to supply heroin following a largescale operation which saw police raid 15 properties across the north of England.

Last week, 12 people were arrested as officers from Northumbria teamed up with Merseyside Police and their colleagues at the North East Regional Special Operations Unit( NERSOU) as part of a crackdown into serious and organised crime.

More than 160 officers carried out the dawn raids across Sunderland, Durham and Merseyside which recovered an estimated £600,000 worth of heroin, more than £25,000 in cash and six luxury cars.

Of those arrested, two men and one woman were released under investigation and nine men charged with various drugs offences appeared at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court this week.

They are:

*Leighton Hackett, 35, of Hesledon, Hartlepool, was charged with conspiracy to supply heroin and cannabis between July 1 and November 29.

*Sonny Thompson, 25, of Otto Terrace, Thornhill, and Jake Lee, 19, of Mayfield Avenue, Fulwell, Sunderland, were also charged with conspiring to supply the class A and B drugs as well as producing cannabis.

*John Duggan, 47, of Palmstead Road, Pennywell, Sunderland, was charged with conspiring to supply heroin.

*John Nelson, 48, of Morton Crescent, Fence Houses, was charged with conspiring to supply heroin and possession with intent to supply.

Four of men arrested in Liverpool also appeared at the same court charged with conspiring together to supply class A drugs. They were: *Yoann Lou, 36, of Wharncliffe Road

*Martin Pearson, 30, of Aspes Road

*Calum Duffy, 22, of Classic Road

*Gareth Lewis, 41, of Minver Road, who was also charged with possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply.

All nine have been remanded in custody until Friday, January 3, when they are due to appear before Newcastle Crown Court for the first time.

To report information about drug dealing, call 101or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.