Arron Jay Gantes, 22, has been sentenced to three years and eight months in prison for peddling illegal drugs to children as young as 14 in Whitby. Gantes, from Northgate, Guisborough, was involved in a County Lines operation where he offered drugs, including cocaine, cannabis, and ecstasy (MDMA), via mass advertising on mobile phones.
Gantes’ operation came to light after officers stopped and searched a teenager in Whitby in 2023, discovering illegal drugs in the teenager’s possession. This led to an investigation that pointed to Gantes as the supplier. A subsequent raid at Gantes’ home in Guisborough uncovered a significant quantity of cannabis, cocaine, and MDMA, along with cash and drug dealing paraphernalia, including deal bags and weighing scales.
Investigating officer PC Rebecca Davison of Scarborough Response Team condemned Gantes’ actions, stating, “Gantes put greed before the wellbeing of vulnerable children. He knowingly sold dangerous and illegal drugs to them, putting their health and well-being at great risk, purely for his benefit. He is now facing the consequences of his actions. I hope his time in prison provides ample time for reflection on his lifestyle choices.”
An application under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 is scheduled for October 8 at York Crown Court, where the court will determine the fate of the money and assets seized from Gantes.
