Dealing duo jailed for 27 years for bringing drugs worth £400,000 into North East

A drug-dealing duo who conspired to supply cocaine and cannabis across the North East have been jailed for a combined total of 27 years.

Michael Falcus and Michael Rice worked together to profit from the illicit trade of the Class A and Class B substances between March and June 2020. The pair attempted to mask their offending through their use of 'Encrochat' encrypted messaging, but they soon became the focus of a Northumbria Police investigation.

It emerged that Falcus organised deliveries of cocaine and cannabis into the region, with Rice working as his "trusted man" by storing cocaine and cash and acting as a courier. The investigation found the pair co-ordinated the supply of 12 kilos of cocaine and eight kilos of cannabis, with a combined value in excess of £400,000.

READ MORE:Woman fighting for life in hospital after sustaining torso injuries in Northumberland crash

READ MORE:Woman in her 50s taken to hospital and man arrested over 'assault' in Newcastle street

Both men were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs in April 2021, with searches conducted at their homes. Falcus, 55, of Manor Drive, Benton, was charged with one count of conspiracy to Class A drugs, and one count of conspiracy to supply Class B drugs.

Rice, 59, of Harriet Street, Blaydon, was charged with one count of conspiracy to supply cocaine, and one count of conspiracy to supply cannabis. Both men were found guilty by a jury on all charges at Newcastle Crown Court in August, and appeared before the same court on Friday for sentencing.

Falcus was jailed for 17 years, while Rice was handed a 10-year-term behind bars. Following the sentencing, Det Ch Insp Marc Michael of Northumbria Police said: "Falcus in particular was a prominent figure within an organised criminal network which sought to profit from the trade of destructive substances which wreak such devastating consequences in our communities.

"The money earned from the most vulnerable members of our communities is often reinvested into further criminal enterprises, and this is why it is crucial for members of the public to continue supporting our enquiries. Anyone with any reports on suspicious activity or concerns should always report them to us – no matter how small or insignificant it may seem."