Eleven charged over alleged heroin and crack cocaine conspiracy

Eleven people have been charged following a drugs operation in Sunderland.

Last year Northumbria Police launched Operation Primus aimed at tackling drugs supply in the city and so far 16 people have been arrested.


On Wednesday, June 9, 10 men and one woman, from the Sunderland, Hartlepool and South Shields areas, were charged as part of the investigation.

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Chief Inspector Jerry Pearson said: "There is no doubt that drugs and drug dealing lead to other crimes and we are determined to disrupt the supply of drugs on to our streets."


Gordon Ellis, 56, of Fernville Street, Sunderland, Carrie Ellis, 38, of Edwin Street, Sunderland, Lee Halcrow, 41, of Beach Road, South Shields, and Peter Stead, 33, of Leaholm Road, Hartlepool, have all been charged with conspiring to supply crack cocaine and will appear at Sunderland Magistrates Court on July, 12.


Tony Phillips, 36, of Rowan Avenue, Harraton, Washington, has also been charged conspiring to supply crack cocaine, as well as possessing amphetamine with intent to supply, and will appear at Sunderland Magistrates Court on July, 12.


Sunderland men, Nevile Watson, 36, of Tatham Street, David Todd, 46, of Upper Walworth Way, Michael Podd, 34, of Tower Road, Lee Angus, 32, of Eden Vale, Darren Fletcher, 30, of Tatham Street and Colin Smith, 29, of Tatham Street, have all been charged with conspiring to supply heroin and will appear at Sunderland Magistrates Court on July, 5.


Of the arrests, four have been released with no further action and one has been released on police bail.


To report concerns around drugs and drug dealing contact ring Northumbria Police on 101.