Suspected drug dealer arrested in Jesmond following university funded operation

Northumbria police seized mass quantities of both class A and B drugs under Operation Oak

10 months ago

A suspected drug dealer has been arrested in Jesmond in connection to Newcastle’s and Northumbria’s crackdown on anti-social behaviour in the area.

Northumbria police seized thousands of pounds and mass quantities of both class A and B drugs in the operation. Professionally referred to as Operation Oak, the police sighted a vehicle with the occupant suspected of dealing illegal substances via Snapchat and other forms of social media.

The vehicle was linked multiple times to further suspected drug dealing, with the police stopping the car on January 27th.

The police seized the likes of cocaine, ketamine and cannabis as well as £2,500 cash. Two mobile phones were also found in connection, with one being used as a deal line and another with evidence of drug dealing, reports NewcastleWorld.

Sargeant Gary Sharpe, of Northumbria Police, said: “This was excellent work by officers, who spotted something was not quite right and took the initiative to stop the vehicle in question.

“We have now been able to seize a sizeable haul of suspected illicit substances and what we believe to be criminal cash gained from dealing drugs.”

Sharpe added, “We’d ask that the public continue to be our eyes and ears in helping us detect this kind of criminality. If you see something suspicious in your community, please do not hesitate to contact us.”

Operation Oak was established by both Newcastle and Northumbria Universities to carry out high-visibility patrols in areas heavily populated by students.

It aims to tackle anti-social behaviour associated with students, as well as to address any safeguarding concerns and offer crime prevention advice for the areas.