Cocaine Dealer Nabbed Buying Air Rifle Jailed for Over Six Years
A cocaine dealer was caught red-handed by police moments after buying an air rifle – now Owen Douglas has been locked up for six years and seven months.
Right-Hand Man in North East Drug Gang
Douglas, 30, from West Denton, was part of a North East organised crime group pushing high-purity cocaine during the first Covid-19 lockdown.
Newcastle Crown Court learned Douglas acted as the right-hand man to ringleaders Liam Pow and Scott Ridley, who were jailed last December.
Massive Drug Bust and Luxury Haul
Police intercepted encrypted messages between the gang before launching raids in July 2020 across Cramlington, West Denton, Walker, and Newton Aycliffe.
- Officers seized 3 kilos of cocaine worth £135,000 and £260,000 in suspected criminal cash from a Walker address, with Douglas’ fingerprints found on the notes.
- Douglas was arrested that day on Grey Street, Newcastle, alongside Pow after purchasing an air rifle.
- Searches of his home uncovered Rolex watches, diamond rings, and gold worth an estimated £93,400, plus significant cash.
Sentences Total More Than 65 Years
Douglas pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply drugs and was sentenced on March 23 to six years and seven months, plus a 12-month driving ban after release.
The gang’s combined prison term now exceeds 65 years, with eleven members behind bars, including:
- Liam Pow: 14 years, 4 months
- Scott Ridley: 9 years, 4 months
- Tiffany Day: 3 years (after trial)
- Christopher Phillips: 4 years, 6 months
- Alexander Peter James Bales: 4 years, 9 months
- Jace Michael Farrell: 4 years, 9 months
- David Storey: 5 years, 1 month
- Nathan Houghton: 4 years, 1 month
- Christopher Windmill: 10 years, 6 months
- Courier Ronald Smith: 3 years, 4 months
Police Slam Dealership’s Dark Side
“Douglas used his criminal cash to buy diamonds and gold rings, Rolexes and weapons – all while exploiting the vulnerable,” said Detective Chief Inspector Marc Michael.
“They operated in the shadows using encrypted messages and ignored the law during a tough time for the country. We will keep smashing organised crime with Operation Sentinel.”
Two more gang members face sentencing later this year.
If you spot suspicious behaviour, report it via the Northumbria Police ‘Tell Us Something’ page.
