Major Drug Dealer Caught After Police Crack Encrypted Code
Paul Richardson, 36, has been locked up after cops hacked into his encrypted device and exposed a huge drug ring operating across the North East. The criminal gang, including Craig Fraser and Christopher Finlay, peddled cocaine and cannabis throughout the Covid-19 lockdown.
Three Men Nabbed for Covid-Era Drug Supply Network
Northumbria Police’s Serious and Organised Crime team led a complex probe, uncovering how the trio used hire cars to shuttle illegal drugs between March and June 2020. The gang’s covert operation came to a crashing halt in December 2020 when all three were arrested, charged, and held in custody.
Thick Jail Sentences Handed Down at Newcastle Crown Court
Earlier this year, Fraser and Finlay each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply drugs and received jail sentences. Then on Monday, Richardson admitted the same charge and was sentenced to a hefty 11 years and 8 months behind bars, bringing the gang’s combined prison term to nearly 30 years.
Detective Praises Police Efforts to Tackle Drug Crime
“Illegal drug supply causes pain and suffering in the community as it further exploits those who struggle with addiction. It also brings with it the threat of violence and exploitation and we just do not want it here in Northumbria,” said Detective Chief Inspector Marc Michael.
“Under Operation Sentinel, we will keep targeting offenders, building intelligence, and making sure criminals face justice. We’ll use every tool to seize and destroy illegal drugs and dismantle these gangs.”
“Thanks to our officers’ hard work, we’ve put three men behind bars for almost 30 years – a major win for Northumbria and its communities. We urge anyone with information on drug dealing or suspicious activity to come forward.”
If you spot anything dodgy, report it at the Northumbria Police ‘Tell Us Something’ page.
