Drug dealer who fled the country jailed for 16 years
A DRUG dealer from Durham who fled to Spain and Ireland in a bid to avoid being arrested has been jailed for 16 years.
The 32-year-old was handed the lengthy sentence after attempting to evade police on a variety of different charges, including conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs, possession with intent to supply a Class B drug, handling stolen goods, possession of a bladed article, dangerous driving and theft.
Shaun Philip Mason originally made off from the scene of a drugs farm in the Pelton area of County Durham in March 2020 when officers who could smell cannabis from the street knocked on his door.
He fled in a stolen Land Rover, which he crashed into pursuing police vehicles and, after abandoning it, stole a bike from a lone female cyclist to get away.
Using his links to criminal groups, he travelled to Liverpool, Ireland and Spain, where he continued his criminal operations, importing large amounts of Class A and B drugs into the North East.
Two parcels containing 10kg of MDMA from the Netherlands were intercepted but were destined to two addresses in the Pelton area.
Officers from North East Regional Specialist Operations Unit (NERSOU) launched an investigation into Mason and his criminal activity.
Warrants were executed at the addresses and phones and drug paraphernalia were found within.
Through interrogation of electronic devices officers were able to locate encrypted messages from Mason discussing his active arrangements for the deliveries of the drugs.
An international warrant was issued, and Mason was extradited back to the
UK. Now he has pleaded guilty to seven charges including conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs, possession with intent to supply a Class B drug, handling stolen goods, possession of a bladed article, dangerous driving and theft.
Mason, of Old Elvet, Durham, was sentenced to a total of 16 years in prison.
Detective Sergeant Hayley Douglass, of the NERSOU, said: “Illegal drugs have a devastating impact not just on those vulnerable people who misuse them but the community as a whole who suffer the detrimental effects of the crimes associated to drug trafficking and the misery it brings.
“The sentence justly reflects the severity of the crimes committed by Mason and sends a clear message to those involved in serious organise crime.
“We will continue to work with our partners including [UK Border Force], the National Crime Agency and local forces to relentlessly pursue and disrupt organised crime throughout the North East as part of dedicated initiative Operation Sentinel.”