Drug dealer jailed for storing drugs in chocolate packaging
The Newcastle man was convicted after an investigation by specialist officers
Last updated 7th Jan 2023
A Newcastle man's starting a sentence behind bars after being convicted of possessing a large amount of crack cocaine which he stored in packaging for chocolates.
22 year old Connor Briggs, from Elswick, stored the drugs in plastic Kinder egg shells. Officers searched a property in December last year as part of Operation Sentinel.
They found the large amount of drugs, as well as a burner phone and over £5,000 in cash.
Briggs had previously pleaded guilty to possession of a Class A drug with intent to supply and possession of criminal property.
He also admitted a further count of possession of a Class A drug with intent to supply and possession of criminal property in relation to offences which occurred on May 18 last year.
Speaking after Briggs was sentenced, Detective Sergeant Chris Johnson, of Northumbria Police, said, “We hope that this case serves as a reminder to anyone looking to make money from selling illicit substances in our communities that you will be vigorously pursued by our teams.
“Tackling organised crime as part of Operation Sentinel remains one of our top priorities, and no-one should have to live with this type of criminality taking place in their area.
“We would advise any members of the public with concerns about possible illegal activity to contact us as soon as they can. This helps us to dismantle these types of operations quicker and bring those responsible to justice.”
Operation Sentinel is a joined up initiative between Northumbria, Durham, Cleveland and the North East Regional Special Operations Unit (NERSOU). It aims to disrupt serious and organised crime on a regional level.