Sniffer Dog Snaps Up Northumberland Drug Dealer
A drug dealer’s stash of heroin and cocaine was uncovered thanks to a sharp-nosed police sniffer dog. Michael Young was caught red-handed on April 23 when officers stopped a Renault Clio he was riding in on Northumberland’s Spine Road. The crackdown targeted serious organised crime on local roads.
Police Crack Down on Drug Network
Officers had been tracking several suspects linked to drug dealing. Armed with intel, they zeroed in on vehicles suspected of ferrying illegal goods—including Young’s car.
Sniffer Dog Kipper Leads to Drug Haul
When the car was pulled over, K9 unit’s dog Kipper was set loose. It didn’t take long before the Operation Dragoon team discovered a haul of heroin and cocaine in Young’s possession. The 38-year-old was arrested along with the 37-year-old driver and 30-year-old passenger.
Jailed for Heroin and Cocaine Supply
On August 18, Young, who has no fixed address, pleaded guilty at Newcastle Crown Court to possession with intent to supply heroin, cocaine, and possession of diamorphine. He was slammed with a 33-month prison term. A forfeiture and destruction order was also handed down.
Detective Constable Laura Fairley said: “This case shows what we can achieve when our teams work together. We know how far people like Young will go to keep their illegal trade running. That’s why we continue to disrupt this criminality—through road policing, surveillance, intelligence, and our fantastic sniffer dogs.”
“We’ll keep up this fight under Operation Sentinel and urge anyone with information to come forward.”
The other two men have been released under investigation as police continue their enquiries.
