Suspected cocaine dealer arrested after sudden Jarrow chase

Police officers hijacked a suspected cocaine dealer making an alleged drug deal in Jarrow on Monday night.

Northumbria Police officers were in patrol in the Edinburgh Road area of Jarrow on Monday, December 31 when they spotted a suspicious vehicle loitering down an alleyway.

After carrying out checks on the car, the cops followed their instinct and approached the occupants – one of whom tried to make off on foot before the officers caught up and placed the 31-year-old under arrest.

He was found in possession of various wraps of suspected cocaine, while inside the car police also located and seized three mobile phones and some electronic scales.

With their suspect in custody, officers then carried out searches of three associated addresses in the Jarrow area and uncovered quantities of cannabis. An investigation is ongoing into the discoveries.

Neighbourhood PC Tom Scott, of Northumbria Police, said: “We are absolutely delighted with this outcome after spotting something that didn’t look right – and we were proven correct.

“As a result, we have taken quantities of cocaine and cannabis off our streets and have seized vital intelligence that will only help us in our ongoing efforts to tackle drug-related criminality across South Tyneside.

“It’s safe to say an occupant of the car was not keen to hang around very long and tried to make off on foot, but thankfully he was quickly chased down and apprehended.

“There is no place for drug-related criminality in our communities. Quite often, it is the most vulnerable who are preyed on to feed their addiction, so it is vitally important that we try to protect those people while ensuring anyone involved in drug supply is brought to justice.”

Chief Inspector Neil Hall, of Northumbria Police, oversees the work of the neighbourhood teams across Sunderland and South Tyneside and praised those involved for trusting their instinct.

He said: “This is a case of good old-fashioned policing where two officers spotted something suspicious and acted upon it.

“Thanks to their quick and decisive actions, not to mention the spring in their step shown when chasing down a suspect, these drugs will keep out of the hands of some of the most vulnerable in our communities.

“Under the banner of Operation Sentinel, we will continue to seek to bring effective justice against anybody involved in drug-related criminality, and I would like to thank all the officers involved in this incident for their outstanding actions.”

The man arrested has been released under investigation with enquiries ongoing.

Anyone with information about drug-related criminality in their area is asked to contact police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of their website or by calling 101. Alternatively, you can pass on information via independent charity Crimestoppers by ringing 0800 555 111.