Drug dealing duo sentenced as part of Operation Venetic clampdown

Lee Morrow and Jamie Richardson became prime suspects in an investigation into illegal drug supply after officers traced a device believed to be used in a wider conspiracy. 

An investigation led by the Force’s Serious and Organised Crime Team found the pair had been using encrypted social media platforms to source large amounts of heroin and cocaine between March and June 2020.

Messages revealed how Morrow would use courier Richardson to collect the drugs or exchange money as part of the region-wide scheme. 

Following a range of complex enquiries into the conspiracy, Morrow was arrested in December 2020, followed by Richardson in August 2021. Both men were interviewed and charged with conspiracy to supply class A drugs. 

In June this year, Morrow, pleaded guilty to two offences of supplying of class A drugs and the following month, Richardson also pleaded guilty to two offences of supplying class A drugs at Newcastle Crown Court. 

Yesterday (Tuesday) the pair attended the same court where they both sentenced as follows:

- Morrow 36, of Benton Road, Newcastle, was jailed for eight years ​and six months.

- Richardson, 26, of Northumberland Terrace, Byker, was jailed for 23 months suspended for 21 months.

Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector Marc Michael, of Northumbria Police’s Crime Department, said: “This is yet another great outcome for our communities. It was made possible thanks to the committed, thorough work of an outstanding team devoted to identifying and disrupting the networks that supply these destructive and harmful substances. 

“These two men were well aware of the illegalities of their actions. They made significant efforts to cover up their offending and evade justice, utilising encrypted devices and platforms in the belief that they would remain undetected and able to continue with their lucrative criminal enterprise unabated. 

“As a Force, we continue to demonstrate that illicit drugs are not welcome here and this result is the latest in a long line of triumphs under the banner of Operation Sentinel – our dedicated initiative to tackling serious and organised crime.

“We do not tolerate drug-related crime in the North East and we will continue to use every tool at our disposal to pursue offenders, dismantle the criminal organisations behind them, and place them before the courts.”

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