Seven members of a drug ring were arrested following a large-scale police operation to seize large quantities of heroin, cash and six luxury cars. In November 2019, more than 160 officers from across the North of England joined forces as part of a coordinated crackdown to dismantle the criminal organization, ChronicleLive reports.
Strikes were carried out during strikes that raided 15 properties, including those belonging to Chief Leighton Hackett and his associates Sonny Thompson, Jake Lee and John Nelson. During a search of Hackett’s home, police found 11 telephones, 6. 6,600 in cash, anti-surveillance equipment and a stockpile of weapons, including a knife and shotgun. READ MORE: Albert Doc sees massive emergency services presence as body found in water He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply heroin and cannabis. The Newcastle Crown Court heard the group being watched for several months as they traveled to and from Liverpool where they met with partners Yoann Lou and Martin Pearson. Together they organized couriers to deliver the drugs to Wearside. When the group was arrested, it was one of the largest operations it has ever carried out – with officers targeting addresses in Sunderland, Durham and Merseyside. Heroin worth .000 600,000 was withdrawn, as well as .000 18,000 in cash and six luxury cars. As seven men were jailed for a total of more than 33 years, Detective Inspector Brian Smith of the Force Priority and Organized Crime Team (POCT) praised the sentences, saying they marked the end of a well-organized crime group. He said: “As a Force we have always made it clear that we will take strong action against anyone involved in organized crime and we will never apologize for that. “These sentences mark the end of a long-running investigation into Hackett, his associates and their heinous drug business, which has caused distress not only to residents on Wearside, but also to Merseyside and beyond. These shameless criminals will gladly fill their pockets selling highly addictive substances, no matter how serious the problems it causes to the most vulnerable people in our society. Gareth Lewis, 44, of Minver Road, West Derby, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply heroin and possession of heroin with intent (Image: Northumbria Police) “On behalf of the Force, I would like to thank all the officers who participated in this investigation, including those from the Northeast Special Operations Unit (NERSOU) and the Merseyside Police, who not only helped us to have a successful day of action. . but whose subsequent investigations helped bring all those involved before the courts to land, with each of them now being brought to justice. “Know that under Operation Sentinel we will continue to crack down on organized crime and prosecute those who break the law and make money by making our communities miserable.” Yoann Lou, 39, of Wharncliffe Road, Old Swan, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply heroin and violating a previous suspended sentence for possession of intentional B drugs and was sentenced to 6 years and 5 months. Martin Pearson, 32, of Aspes Road, West Derby, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply heroin and was sentenced to six years and five months. Martin Pearson, 32, of Aspes Road, West Derby, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply heroin (Image: Northumbria Police) Gareth Lewis, 44, of Minver Road, West Derby, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply heroin and possession of intentional heroin and was sentenced to 2 years and 10 months. Leighton Hackett, 37, of Hesledon, near Hartlepool, had previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply heroin and cannabis and was sentenced to a total of nine years in prison. John Nelson, 50, of Morton Crescent Houghton-le-Spring, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply heroin and was sentenced to 7 years and 3 months in prison. Sonny Thompson, 27, of Nora Street in Sunderland, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cannabis and was sentenced to eight months in prison. Jake Lee, 22, of Mayfield Avenue in Sunderland, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cannabis and was sentenced to eight months in prison. Read more related articles Read more related articles
