South Shields Drug Bust Nets Over £125k and Five Kilos of Cocaine
Liam Storey, 33, and Samantha Haswell, 29, faced justice after police swooped on their South Shields home in July last year. Officers from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU), backed by Northumbria Police, executed a warrant following intelligence about their drug dealings.
Illegal Haul Discovered in Wardrobe
A search uncovered a massive stash: five kilos of high-purity cocaine and a staggering £125,135 in cash hidden inside a wardrobe. The cocaine’s value topped £200,000, with its street worth estimated even higher.
Swift Arrests and Guilty Pleas
The pair were arrested on the spot and charged with possession with intent to supply cocaine and possessing criminal property. Initially set for trial in July 2023, both Storey and Haswell admitted their guilt early, overwhelmed by the evidence.
Sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court
- Liam Storey pleaded guilty to money laundering and drug offences. He was slapped with five years and three months behind bars.
- Samantha Haswell admitted money laundering charges, receiving a ten-month prison sentence suspended for two years, plus 200 hours of unpaid work.
Police continue cracking down hard on organized crime in the region, sending a clear message to drug dealers operating in the North East.
