Armed drugs gang smashed
A HEAVILY-ARMED drugs gang who thought they were “untouchable” have been taken off the streets.
The five men, who kept a hoard of weapons, including axes and crossbows, have been put behind bars for a total of more than 16 years.
A sophisticated surveillance operation by police revealed that 6,500 people visited the gang at addresses in Benwell , Newcastle, to buy cocaine.
After gathering evidence of largescale drug dealing over five months, police carried out late-night raids in February last year and arrested 10 people.
Officers seized a quantity of drugs wrapped in cupcake casings as well as a huge hoard of weapons, including six air weapons, 90 knives, half a dozen axes, knuckle dusters and crossbows.
Five men were charged with conspiracy to supply class A drugs and they were sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court on Tuesday after admitting the offences. The men jailed are: Michael Conroy, 38, of Sungold Villas, Benwell, was jailed for five years six months.
Walter Henderson, 53, of Meldon Terrace, Heaton, was jailed for three years.
Paul Basey, 50, of Armstrong Road, Benwell, was jailed for four years.
Karl Greenwell, 37, of Benwell Lane, Benwell, all Newcastle, was jailed for two years.
Barry Newton, 26, Newton Street, Haltwhistle, was jailed for two years.
DEALERS HAD CACHE OF LETHAL WEAPONS, COURT TOLD
CCTV footage captured the moment officers stormed a house in the West End as they carried out raids.
Chief inspector Barrie Joisce, who led the investigation into the drug gang, has praised the hard work of the officers who brought them to justice.
He said: “This organised crime gang thought they were untouchable, that they were above the law and that they would never get caught.
“Their drug dealing made their neighbours’ lives a living hell and the anti-social behaviour linked to their dealing had a significant impact on the local community.
“The operation they ran was sophisticated and it took a lot of hard work from our officers to carry out months of surveillance work.
“We welcome the custodial sentences handed out today.
“Newcastle is a safer place with these individuals behind bars.”
As part of the operation, closure orders were also issued on four homes involved in the organised criminal activity.
This saw a number of people connected to the criminal activity evicted with the assistance of Newcastle City Council.