Gang of Nine Jailed for Over 70 Years in Massive Drug and Gun Bust
A ruthless crime gang has been slammed behind bars for a total of more than 70 years after plotting to flood the North East with cocaine, heroin, and deadly firearms. Their sinister operation came crashing down thanks to a groundbreaking police hack.
Police Crack Encrochat to Nail Criminal Network
Northumbria Police smashed the gang by cracking their encrypted Encrochat messages. The haul was monumental: over 63 kilos of cocaine valued at £2.3 million, six kilos of heroin, 50 cannabis plants, and £44,000 in cash seized during raids.
Dark encrypted chats from March to July 2020 revealed chilling plans to stash deadly firearms, exposing the gang’s violent ambitions to the cops.
Masterminds and Henchmen Exposed
Anthony Wilson and Michael Wakenshaw were the kingpins, coordinating drug deals across the region. Their henchmen—Alan McLaughlin, Jesse McIver, Scott Fawcett, Daniel Chambers, and Joseph Mole—handled storage, courier runs, cash collection, and drug testing.
Further investigations uncovered two related conspiracies. Fawcett and Chambers led a side operation with help from Mark Baird and David Emmerson, managing cash and storage. Police also found a massive cannabis farm in Newcastle run by Thomas Foggin for Wilson and Wakenshaw, where guns and ammo were stashed.
Sentence Watch: Newcastle Crown Court Delivers Heavy Hits
- Scott Fawcett, 37, Shiremoor: 14 years for conspiracy to supply Class A & B drugs plus firearm and ammunition offences.
- Daniel Chambers, 48, Cramlington: 8 years for conspiracy to supply Class A & B drugs.
- David Emmerson, 48, Lemington: 4 years 8 months for conspiracy to supply cocaine.
- Mark Baird, 36, Lemington: 4 years 8 months for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.
- Michael Wakenshaw, 40, Lemington: 10 years 4 months for conspiracy, cannabis production, and firearm possession.
- Alan McLaughlin, 49, Chopwell: 7 years for conspiracy to supply cocaine.
- Jesse McIver, 27, Newcastle: 6 years for conspiracy to supply cocaine.
- Anthony Wilson, 35, Newcastle: 15 years for cannabis cultivation and firearm offences (extradited from Spain in 2025).
- Thomas Foggin, 38, no fixed abode: 5 years for cannabis production and firearm offences.
The lengthy probe revealed a high-level drug empire and a deadly arms cache. Most suspects pleaded guilty, except McLaughlin and Foggin, who were convicted after trial. Wilson fled to Spain but was caught and extradited back to face justice.
Detective Chief Inspector Andy Charlton said: “This conviction sends a clear message that we will relentlessly pursue criminals who pose a threat to our communities.”
This major win for Northumbria Police shows their fierce determination to stamp out organised crime and protect our streets.
