Drug dealer jailed after quarter-of-a-million drug operation

Drug dealer who conspired to supply quarter-of-a-million worth of Class A drugs across the North East has been sentenced to time behind bars.

Mohamed Gangat, 63, is now getting accommodated with living behind bars after a Judge passed down his sentence at Teesside Crown Court yesterday (Tuesday).

Evidence gathered by officers at the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU), supported by Matrix officers from Cleveland Police, uncovered the drugs plot after stopping a suspicious vehicle in the Cleveland area on March 12.

A search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of 2.5 kilos of cocaine – with a street value of £250,000.

Gangat was swiftly arrested and subsequently charged with possession with intent to supply Class A drugs and possession of Class B drugs.

 On April 14, Gangat, of Evington Lane, Leicester, pleaded guilty to the charges put before him and yesterday (Tuesday) he was sentenced to 8 years imprisonment.

Following their sentencing, NEROCU Detective Constable Rebecca Alderson, said: “This has been an excellent display of partnership work, coming together to pursue a suspect and produce a strong evidence file and securing a guilty plea.

“This sentencing is just the latest positive outcome as part of our ongoing clampdown on organised crime and marks the latest success for Operation Sentinel - our dedicated initiative to tackling serious and organised crime in the North East.

“As always, we encourage members of the public to continue working with police by reporting any suspicions they could have to help protect communities from the violence and harm that comes from organised crime.”

Matrix Chief Inspector Stephen Clyburn said: “We are pleased with the sentence handed to Mohamed Gangat after working closely with NEROCU officers to seize thousands of pounds worth of cocaine which was destined to harm our communities.

“We will continue to work with our partners to tackle any suspected serious and organised crime, and in particular where people use our road networks for their own criminal gain, as we continue to help protect our communities from harm.”

Anyone who has information about suspicious activity in their area is asked to report it to their local police via 101.

You can also pass on information via the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.