Major Drug Gang Sentenced to 74 Years for Sophisticated Cocaine Operations
A highly organised criminal network described as "professional" and "sophisticated" by prosecutors has been dismantled, with nine men receiving prison sentences totalling 74 years for their involvement in two separate drug supply conspiracies.
Encrypted Network Infiltration Leads to Convictions
Law enforcement agencies successfully infiltrated the gang's encrypted messaging network, leading to the exposure of their extensive operations in the North East. The investigation revealed two interconnected plots to supply class A drugs, primarily cocaine, with two individuals involved in both conspiracies.
The convicted men are:
- Scott Fawcett, 37, from Shiremoor - 14 years
- Anthony Wilson, 35, of no fixed address - 15 years
- Daniel Chambers, 48, from Cramlington - 8 years
- David Emmerson, 48, from Lemington - 4 years 8 months
- Mark Baird, 36, from Lemington - 4 years 8 months
- Michael Wakenshaw, 40, from Lemington - 10 years 4 months
- Alan McLaughlin, 50, from Chopwell - 7 years
- Jesse McIver, 27, from Walkerville - 6 years
- Thomas Foggin, 38, from Grainger Park, Newcastle - 5 years
Sophisticated Operation Uncovered
Prosecutor Richard Holland detailed how the gang operated with military precision, describing their activities as "very high level wholesale drug dealing" involving cocaine and cash exchanges amounting to hundreds of thousands of pounds. The court heard evidence of an established cocaine wholesale business that was active at the time of the police infiltration.
Between late March and late April 2020 alone, the gang supplied 34 kilograms of cocaine with an estimated street value of £1.3 million. Evidence suggested they had actually supplied at least 38 kilograms in total, with plans to distribute even larger quantities.
Organised Roles Within the Criminal Enterprise
The prosecution outlined clearly defined roles within the organisation:
Scott Fawcett was identified as the head of his own enterprise, while Anthony Wilson served as a "trusted lieutenant" who also received wholesale quantities of cocaine for onward supply. Daniel Chambers acted as another trusted lieutenant, keeping track of cash flow, transactions, and debts while also adulterating drugs to maximise profits for a fee of approximately £500 per kilogram.
Mark Baird and David Emmerson worked as couriers, cash-counters, and storemen, receiving payment for their services and being trusted with encrypted communication devices. Michael Wakenshaw served as a courier with additional responsibilities for weighing drugs, storage, collection, and cash counting using electronic money counters.
Firearm Discovery During Investigation
During a police raid on a property in Lemington, Newcastle, on April 28, 2020, officers discovered more than just drug-related evidence. Initially finding a cannabis farm in the main bedroom, police returned two days later to conduct a more thorough search.
This second search revealed a 9mm handgun with eight compatible cartridges hidden under upstairs landing floorboards, wrapped in bags and concealed among pipes. A gun box suitable for storing the handgun was found in a hallway cupboard. Forensic analysis linked several gang members to the firearm through DNA evidence found on the weapon, ammunition, and storage box.
Judge's Sentencing Remarks Highlight Social Impact
Sentencing the men at Newcastle Crown Court, Judge Julie Clemitson emphasised the devastating consequences of drug dealing on communities. She stated: "There can be no doubting that the use of class A drugs is at the root of very much human misery. Flooding the streets with cocaine creates more users or addicts, more misery and more suffering."
The judge continued: "It is impossible to quantify how many people might have been harmed as a result of the offending just in this case - how many wretched souls might have fallen into harmful drug misuse because of the drugs that were supplied as part of these operations."
Judge Clemitson highlighted the broader societal impact, noting how drug addiction affects employment, parenting abilities, mental health, and family stability, while also creating significant financial burdens for the NHS, children's services, and the justice system.
The successful prosecution represents a significant victory for law enforcement against organised crime in the North East, demonstrating how technological infiltration of encrypted networks can dismantle sophisticated criminal enterprises operating on an industrial scale.
