Dealer jailed after pills parcel found at border
North East Regional Organised Crime UnitA drug dealer has been jailed after a parcel containing hundreds of pills was discovered by UK Border Force.
The parcel was intercepted in September 2023 on its way to Darlington and when officers opened it they discovered more than 250 methamphetamine tablets (MDMA) and 250 tabs of LSD.
The North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU) raided Matthew Smith's home on Charles Street and found more drugs, including cocaine and ketamine, as well as what appeared to be a police-style baton.
Smith, 35, admitted nine offences at Peterlee Magistrates' Court in October and was jailed for nine years and six months when he appeared at Teesside Crown Court on Friday.
His offences included importing, possessing and supplying Class A drugs and possessing a disguised firearm.
NEROCU Det Sgt Neil Lovat said importing drugs to the north-east of England was "incredibly damaging" to communities.
North East Regional Organised Crime Unit"It can create harm and violence and profits from these sales fund wider organised crimes like child sexual abuse and modern slavery," he said.
"Under the banner of Operation Sentinel, our united, regional approach tackles serious and organised crime in all forms and we'll continue to work with partners to pursue suspects and protect the public."
