Yahoo News 'Greedy' Teesside dealer targeted teens with 'sweetshop-style menu' of drugs
A “greedy” Teesside drug dealer targeted children as young as 14 with a “sweetshop-style menu” of illicit substances.
Arron Jay Gantes offered “thin mints”, “zour skittles” “candy haze” and “cookie dawg” to youngsters as he pocketed over £25,000. The 22-year-old sold cocaine, cannabis and ecstasy (MDMA) in a County Lines operation that saw mass advertising of drugs via mobile phones.
The Guisborough dealer’s enterprise was disrupted after officers stopped and searched a teenager in Whitby in 2023 who was found in possession of illegal drugs. The subsequent investigation led officers to Gantes.
A warrant executed at his Northgate home led to the seizure of a large amount of cannabis, cocaine and MDMA, along with cash and drug dealing paraphernalia including deal bags and weighing scales. The investigation showed that Gantes was targeting drug users aged 14 to 17.
Investigators were able to show that Gantes regularly travelled to Whitby, North Yorkshire, following the broadcast of his illegal drug adverts. The investigation also revealed that Gantes, with no legitimate means of income, was receiving regular third-party cash deposits into a bank account totalling over £25,000.
He was jailed for three years and eight months at York Crown Court on Tuesday, June 25 after previously pleading guilty to seven offences. Following sentencing, investigating officer, PC Rebecca Davison of Scarborough Response Team, said: “Gantes put greed before the wellbeing of vulnerable children.
"He knowingly sold dangerous and illegal drugs to them, putting their health and wellbeing at great risk, purely for his own 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.”
Gantes pleaded guilty to:
Being concerned in supply of cocaine
Possess with intent to supply cocaine
Possess with intent to supply cannabis
Being concerned in the supply cannabis
Possess with intent to supply MDMA
Being concerned in the supply of ecstasy
Acquire / use / possess criminal property – this relates to the cash seized and the money in his bank account that officers believe was made through drug dealing.
An application under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 will take place at York Crown Court on October 8.
Advice and support for drug users including parents and carers concerned about a child
Drink Drug Hub website drinkdrughub.co.uk
North Yorkshire Rise– young people's specialist drug and alcohol service- freephone 08000 14 14 80 (option 2) – humankindcharity.org.uk/service/nyrise/
North Yorkshire Horizons- adult specialist drug and alcohol service - freephone 08000 14 14 80 – nyhorizons.org.uk/
City of York Drug and Alcohol Service- 01904 464 680 – changing-lives.org.uk/services/drug-alcohol/york-drug-alcohol-support-services/
NHS – https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/addiction-support/drug-addiction-getting-help/
FRANK helpline and information - https://www.talktofrank.com/
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