Drug Dealer Jailed Over Attempt to Import Staggering Haul of Class A Drugs
Border Force Nabs Massive MDMA and LSD Shipment
On September 26, 2023, UK Border Force hit the brakes on a suspicious parcel bound for Darlington. Inside, officers found a staggering haul: over 250 MDMA (methamphetamine) tablets and 250 LSD tabs. The scale of the seizure set off alarm bells across the region.
Drug Boss Matthew Smith Busted in Multi-Drug Raid
The North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU) sprang into action with the National Crime Agency (NCA). On November 9, 2023, cops stormed two addresses linked to 35-year-old Matthew Smith on Charles Street and Thames Way in Darlington.
Besides the original haul, officers uncovered cocaine, ketamine, and more MDMA and LSD during the searches. Smith was also found with a police-style baton, raising serious questions about his operations.
Heavy Sentence for Hard-Hitting Offences
Smith faced nine serious charges including importing and supplying Class A drugs, possession of Class A and B substances, and carrying an offensive weapon. He pled guilty at Peterlee Magistrates’ Court on October 10, 2025. On February 27, 2026, he was slammed with a hefty nine years and six months behind bars.
Detective Sergeant Neil Lovat, NEROCU, said: “This is yet another example of robust policing where partners have come together to secure an arrest and positive result at court. Having Class A drugs imported to the North East is incredibly damaging to our communities. It can create harm and violence, and profits from these sales fund wider organised crimes like child sexual abuse and modern slavery. Under the banner of Operation Sentinel, our united regional approach to tackling Serious and Organised crime in all forms, we’ll continue to work with partners to pursue suspects and protect the public.”
Speak Out Against Crime
If you notice anything suspicious, report it.
- Call your local police on 101 or visit their website.
- In emergencies or if a crime is happening, dial 999 immediately.
- To stay anonymous, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
