Two men who conspired to supply drugs across the North East have been jailed

Two men who conspired to supply drugs across the North East have been sentenced to a total of 17 and a half years behind bars.

Michael Armstrong and Steven Brownless communicated via an ‘EncroChat’ encrypted mobile device to co-ordinate deliveries of multi-kilos of class A and B drugs into the region.

Evidence gathered by officers at Northumbria Police working as part of Operation Venetic uncovered the plot between the end of March through to the end of April in 2020.

They discovered that 35-year-old Armstrong of Harlow Avenue, Fawdon played the leading role in the conspiracy by sourcing cocaine and supplying it to others.

Thirty-eight-year-old Brownless of Old School Drive, Lemington had a significant role as a courier for Armstrong as well as cutting the cocaine before supplying to others and housing the drugs.

The pair conspired to supply just over 4kg of cocaine and 25-50 kilograms of cannabis. The potential street value amounted to around £900,000.

Both men were arrested in April 2021 and were subsequently charged with two offences each. Armstrong was also charged with one count of conspiracy to supply cannabis and one count of conspiracy to supply cocaine. Brownless was also charged with possession of cocaine with intent to supply and conspiracy to supply cocaine.

Appearing at Newcastle Crown Court in January 2025 both pleaded guilty to the charges.

The pair appeared at the same court yesterday (Tuesday, June 17) where Armstrong was sentenced to 10 years and four months in jail and Brownless was sentenced to seven years and two months in jail. 

Following their sentencing Detective Chief Inspector Marc Michael, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is a superb result following a lengthy and complex investigation, and I am delighted the tireless work from our officers has resulted in significant sentences for Armstrong and Brownless.

“This sentencing is the latest positive outcome as part of our ongoing clampdown on organised crime and marks the latest success for Operation Sentinel - our dedicated initiative to tackling serious and organised crime in the North East.

“We need members of the public to continue working with us by reporting any suspicions they have.  By doing so they will protect vulnerable persons within our communities from offenders such Armstrong and Brownless.  This teamwork is vital in our efforts to mitigate the threat posed by drug supply and the associated violence and harms”

Anyone who has concerns about crime in their area can send Northumbria Police a direct message on social media or use the live chat function and report forms on the Force’s website.

For those unable to contact police via those ways, call 101.