Yahoo News South Shields drug dealer jailed for 10 years after admitting cocaine and cannabis conspiracy
A South Shields drug dealer has been locked up after being unmasked as part of a conspiracy to supply cocaine and cannabis across the North East.
Alan Gudgeon, 54, of Defoe Avenue in South Shields admitted charges of conspiracy to supply cocaine and being concerned in the supply of cannabis at a Newcastle Crown Court hearing in April. This month he has been was sentenced to serve 10 years and 10 months in prison.
He was arrested after police "infiltrated" his encrypted messages. Gudgeon had used the handle 'Alarmingfern' on an encrypted messaging app to co-ordinate the supply of drugs across the region. Specialist Northumbria Police officers working as part of Operation Venetic uncovered messages from between March and June 2020 that laid bare the man's involvement in drug dealing.
He was found to be involved in the supply of 2kg of cocaine and 1kg of cannabis across the three-month period. He was arrested on September 6 2021 and a search of a property occupied by a "co-conspirator" found drugs with an estimated street value of £54,100.
Speaking after Gudgeon's sentencing, Det Ch Insp Marc Michael of Northumbria Police said: "This is an excellent result for the Force and for our communities who unfortunately witness the destructive harm caused by illegal drugs. Gudgeon believed he was above the law and profited from the illicit trade by instructing others to get their hands dirty.
"He attempted to mask his offending through the use of encrypted messaging, but the dedication and hard work of our officers left him little choice but to admit his guilt at court."
The officer added that this result came following the ongoing organised crime crackdown under the banner of Operation Sentinel. He urged members of the public to report suspicions they may have and help protect the vulnerable.
Anyone who has seen something suspicious in their community is asked to let officers know by using the ‘Report’ page of the Northumbria Police website or calling 101. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.
