South Tyneside drugs ring members jailed for total of 46 years

Members from a South Tyneside drugs ring that had joined forces with a Merseyside OCG have been jailed for a total of 46 years.

Six convicted criminals are now behind bars for their role in shipping high purity cocaine and amphetamine into the region – with two more to be sentenced at a later date.

During the 22-week trial, drugs linchpin John Allcock and his cronies denied their roles in the bust, which saw detectives monitor and close in on their operation between January 10, 2017 and May 31, 2018.

As part of the near-year-and-a-half operation, officers seized more than £120,000 cash, 65 kilos of cannabis and mixing agents as well as Class A drugs.

An investigation launched by the North East Regional Special Operations Unit (NERSOU) saw Allcock and trusted lieutenant Carl McAlindon monitored as they ran their illicit business, sourcing and buying drugs from a North West organised criminal group.

Allcock is said to have regularly travelled to Liverpool and Manchester to meet with associates and was observed visiting an industrial unit which is suspected to have been used to store large hauls of amphetamine.

The linchpin is said to have later bought and distributed said drugs across the region.

Allock was arrested in a final swoop from officers who had previously brought down Liverpool-based courier Paul Marrow, uncovered a van with £50,000 in cash hidden under tools and also arrested Baber Azim and Glen Stoddart.

The total group of eight offenders were charged with a string of drugs and money laundering offences and all stood trial at Newcastle Crown Court.

Two pleaded guilty and the remaining six were subsequently convicted in February this year following a four-month trial, with their sentences below:

• John Allcock, 52, of Durham was found guilty of Conspiracy to Supply Class A and B drugs and money laundering and was sentenced to 21 years behind bars.
• Carl McAlindon, 36, of Jarrow was found guilty of Conspiracy to Supply Class A and B Drugs and money laundering and was sentenced to 13 years behind bars.
• Bernard Sewell, 41, of Hebburn was found guilty of Conspiracy to Supply Class B drugs but found not guilty of Conspiracy to supply Class A Drugs and was sentenced to four and a half years behind bars.
• Mark Hiscock, 46, of South Shields was found guilty of money laundering but found not guilty of Conspiracy to supply Class B drugs and was sentenced to one year behind bars.
• David McFarlane, 53 of Jarrow was found guilty of money laundering but found not guilty of Conspiracy to Supply Class B drugs and was sentenced to one year behind bars.
• Glen Stoddart, 53, of Hartlepool was found guilty of conspiracy to supply Class B drugs, money laundering and participating in activities of an Organised Crime Group and was sentenced to five and a half years behind bars.
• Paul Marrow, 62, of Liverpool admitted Conspiracy to Supply Class A drugs and is due to be sentenced at a later date.
• Baber Azim, 43, of Slough admitted Conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and money laundering and is due to be sentenced at a later date.

Michael Vassallo, 42, of South Shields, was found not guilty by the jury during the trial.

Speaking at the end of the trial Detective Inspector Steve Pescod from NERSOU said: “I hope this case send a strong message to anyone who thinks they can turn a profit from supplying illegal, harmful substances in our towns and cities.

“Allcock ran a sophisticated and significant operation worth millions of pounds, which, thanks to the hard work and dedication of officers has now been shut down, and the proceeds seized.

“Thanks to this investigation, members of two organised crime groups, ranging from couriers to those leading the businesses were brought before the courts and held accountable for their shameless and despicable offending. I am pleased the jury have found them guilty and they have been given substantial jail terms, as these convictions undoubtedly make our region a better place.

“These men were brazen offenders who were working together to maximise profits, without a care for the vulnerable people caught up in their activity. Not only did they hide what they were doing through the use of encrypted phones and swapping sim cards, but also denied their roles before a court and refused to accept blame and take responsibility.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the officers and staff involved in this lengthy investigation and hope their efforts reassure the community that we are committed to tackling organised crime.”