Drug Courier Sentenced

A drug courier has been sentenced after a wide-scale police operation targeting organised crime.

Dylan Kenny, 27, has been sentenced for his involvement in a complex drug operation linked to Class A drugs.

Under Operation Sentinel, officers from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU), supported by Northumbria Police and Avon and Somerset Police, launched a targeted investigation in September 2023 to tackle suspected drug supply and distribution in the North East.

As part of enquiries police discovered Kenny’s involvement as a drug courier for the illicit operation and in November 2023, executed a planned strike and arrested him in Bristol – where he was found in possession of over a kilo of cocaine.

Kenny, of Olive Street in South Shields, was subsequently charged with supplying Class A drugs and later pleaded guilty.

Today (Thursday), he appeared before Newcastle Crown Court and was sentenced to two years suspended for 12 months.

Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Inspector Simon Drenon, of NEROCU, praised officers for continuing to take robust action against drug criminality in our region.

He said: “This has been a fantastic result for our North East communities, this investigation has seen a substantial amount of dangerous drugs and criminal profits off our streets.

“Kenny thought by playing a lesser role in this criminal enterprise that he would escape justice – he couldn’t have been more wrong.

“Nobody wants this type of criminality happening in their community and, as shown time and time again, it can lead to a range of other issues such as violence and exploitation.

“As ever, we would urge the public to remain vigilant and continue to report any concerns or suspicious activity to their local police so swift action can be taken.

“We will continue to work with our partners under Operation Sentinel to dismantle the criminal groups who try to profit from the sale and supply of illegal drugs.”

If you have any information about drug supply, you can report it to your local police or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.