Two shameless drug dealers sentenced

Shaun Wood and Jamie Hines are facing the consequences of their criminal actions after a complex operation by the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU).

In March 2019, after officers observed the duo and their accomplice Anthony Bennett, acting suspiciously on Ormesby Bank, Middlesborough, a warrant was carried out at Bennett’s home address.

Officers conducted a search of the address, finding two kilos of suspected cocaine, drug paraphernalia and almost £50,000 in cash.

At the same time officers moved on a vehicle which had Wood and Hines inside.

While Wood, 34, followed police instructions, 38-year-old Hines decided to try and make a run for it. A police chase ensued but officers quickly caught up and detained him and a search of the vehicle turned up over £33,000 in cash.

The trio were arrested and subsequently charged with concern in the supply of controlled Class A drugs.

A trial was set at Teesside Crown Court on March 20, with Bennett, 52, entering a guilty plea ahead of trial. Woods and Hines denied the charges put before them but were convicted following a week-long trial.

On April 2, Woods, of Allerhope, Cramlington and Hines, of Sunnyside, Cramlington were both sentenced to six years and four months in jail.

On Friday (April 19) Bennett, of Ormesby Bank, Middlesborough, was the last to appear and has been sentenced to 24 months imprisonment suspended for 24 months.

Praising the continued efforts of his team, Detective Constable McKinlay, said: “In order to protect those most at risk from the effects drug supply has in our community, it’s vital we continue our work in disrupting the supply chain and pursuing offenders who think they are above the law- including these men who will now face the consequences of their actions.

“We will continue to tackle serious and organised crime under the banner of Operation Sentinel- our region-wide initiative that uses a holistic partnership approach to disrupt and dismantle organised crime.”

Anyone who sees anything suspicious in their community is asked to contact their local police force via their website or by calling 101. In an emergency, or if a crime is taking place, always ring 999.