Sixth man jailed for his involvement in organised criminal network

A sixth member of an organised criminal network who armed themselves with firearms and strived to overwhelm the North East with cocaine and heroin has been jailed.

The sixth member - Simon Lancaster aged 34 - was a key player within the network, responsible for storing, distributing, and arranging the onward supply of multi-kilo quantities of drugs across the region. He was also responsible for the collection, counting, and storage of hundreds of thousands of pounds' worth of cash.

Northumbria Police uncovered the conspiracy after infiltrating the offenders’ ‘Encrochat’ encrypted messaging – revealing the illicit trade of more than 50 kilos of cocaine, 20 kilos of heroin and 200 kilos of amphetamines.

 The encrypted messages also showed a number of conspirators discussing the possession and storage of firearms between March and June 2020.

Five members of the criminal gang were sentenced last month to a combine total of almost six decades.

Lancaster was returned to the UK from Oman, having agreed to be extradited, following an investigation led by specialist officers working as part of Operation Venetic and charged with several conspiracy offences.

With an overwhelming amount of evidence stacked against him, he pleaded guilty and appeared at Newcastle Crown Court yesterday (Tuesday, December 9) where he was sentenced for the following: conspiracy to supply cocaine, conspiracy to supply amphetamine, two counts of conspiracy to supply diamorphine, possession of a firearm and possession of ammunition without a firearms certificate.

 

Lancaster, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to 14 years and eight months behind bars.

 

Following the sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector Marc Michael, of Northumbria Police, said: “Lancaster was a key player, acting as right-hand man to the principal offender within this organised crime group, which aimed to cause destruction through the supply and sale of illegal substances throughout the region.

 

“He thought he could leave the country and face zero consequences for his actions.

 

“However, there is no hiding place for drug dealers in the North East and beyond and along with his criminal associates, they are now facing substantial sentences behind bars.

 

“This was a complex investigation and thanks to the tireless efforts of all involved, Lancaster, like his conspirators were left with no choice but to plead guilty at court.

 

“Firearms and substances such as these cause untold damage and misery to our communities, and I am delighted we have been able to remove dangerous offenders from our streets for a significant period of time.”

 

Det Ch Insp Michael added: “These latest sentences represent the latest success for Operation Sentinel – our dedicated initiative tackling serious and organised crime in our region.

 

“Criminal networks such as these often seek to profit from the most vulnerable members of our communities before reinvesting their money into further illegal enterprises.

 

“Anyone with any reports on suspicious activity or concerns should always report them to us – no matter how small or insignificant it may seem.”

 

Anyone with information should send Northumbria Police a DM on social media, use the live chat on the Force website or complete a crime update form at www.northumbria.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/

 

For those who are unable to contact the Force those ways, call 101.