Drug dealing group who conspired to supply cocaine across the North East are jailed
A drug-dealing trio who conspired to supply cocaine across the North East have been jailed.
Stephen Cherry, Robi Kingswell and Robbie Bowman, sought to supply the Class A substance throughout the region between March and June 2020.
The trio attempted to mask their offending through their use of ‘Encrochat’ encrypted messaging, but they soon became the focus of an investigation from specialist officers working as part of Operation Venetic.
It emerged that Cherry played the lead role in the conspiracy by organising deliveries with Kingswell who acted as a storeman, and also as a courier alongside Bowman.
The investigation found the trio co-ordinated the supply of 11 kilos of cocaine valued in excess of £385,000.
The three men were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs in April 2021, with searches conducted of their home addresses.
Cherry and Kingswell were charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs in March this year, while Bowman was charged with being in the concern of supply of Class A drugs.
Cherry, 40, of Troutdale Place, Longbenton, Kingswell, 35, of Whitgrave Road, Newcastle and Bowman, 29, of Valley View, Lemington appeared at Newcastle Crown Court in September where they pleaded guilty.
They appeared at the same court on Thursday where Cherry was sentenced to nine years imprisonment, and Kingswell sentenced to six years behind bars.
Bowman was sentenced to two years imprisoned, suspended for two years.
Following the sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector Marc Michael, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is a superb result and I would like to thank the tireless work of officers.
“Make no mistake, this was serious organised crime.
“These three men sought to profit from the trade of destructive substances which wreak such devastating consequences in our communities.
“Cocaine is not a harmless lifestyle choice - it fuels violence on our streets and drives the exploitation of vulnerable people. We all have a role in breaking this cycle.
“These sentences mark the latest success for Operation Sentinel - our dedicated initiative to tackling serious and organised crime in the North East.
“Anyone with any reports on suspicious activity or concerns should always report them to us – no matter how small or insignificant it may seem.”