Brother Drug Trio Busted in Newcastle Cocaine Ring
Antonio Chiarella and brothers Liam and Tony Owens have been jailed after cops smashed their cocaine racket in Newcastle. The trio was caught thanks to a major probe dubbed Operation Venetic.
‘Crown-hawk’ and ‘Wuhan-ten’ Run Massive Cocaine Supply
Chiarella, known online as ‘crown-hawk’ and ‘Wuhan-ten’, masterminded the wholesale purchase and distribution of Class A cocaine across the city. He ordered the Owens brothers around, with Tony tasked with collecting multi-kilo drug packages, while Liam handled payments to suppliers.
The court revealed both brothers earned wages from Chiarella for their roles moving drugs and cash.
£470,000 Spent on 19kg of Cocaine Over Two Months
From March 27 to May 29, 2020, the gang spent over £470,000 buying and distributing a staggering 19 kilograms of cocaine. Law enforcement finally swooped in March 2021, arresting all three men and charging them with conspiracy to supply.
Heavy Jail Terms for Newcastle’s Notorious Trio
- Antonio Chiarella, 35, of Salford, bagged a hefty 14 years and four months behind bars at Newcastle Crown Court.
- Liam Owens, 37, from Benwell Hall Drive, got nine years and five months.
- Tony Owens, 35, of Silver Lonnen Drive, received nine years and two months in the dock.
Both Chiarella and Tony Owens pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine. Liam Owens admitted the same charge, plus possession with intent to supply cannabis.
The crackdown sends a clear message to drug dealers trying to flood UK streets with Class A substances.
