High-purity cocaine, MDMA and ketamine were found at James Newark's address

A dealer has been sentenced to more than six years behind bars after police uncovered drugs and tens of thousands of pounds in cash at his Tyneside home.

James Newark’s address was raided as part of a crackdown initiated following the drug-related deaths of three students in 2020.

While Newark, a self-employed electrician, was not linked to the deaths, the raid did lead to the discovery and seizure of high-purity cocaine, MDMA and ketamine when they searched Newark’s now former home on Galloway Road, Pelaw.

They also discovered more than £50,000 in cash and several mobile phones which, once unlocked, showed messages relating to drug dealing.

Drugs found within the property were found to have a street value of around £36,000.

On Tuesday, January 17, Newark, 21, of Oak Terrace, in Blaydon, was sentenced to six years and eight months in prison after admitting three counts of possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply at Newcastle Crown Court.

Sergeant Kate Barr, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is a good result and due in no small part to the excellent work of our officers who acted on intelligence to apprehend the defendant at his home, where it was clear that he was dealing in large quantities of illegal substances.

“I hope this sends out a clear and robust message – our officers are dedicated, persistent and will continue to actively pursue offenders who attempt to deal drugs in our communities.

“Some of the most vulnerable people in society are affected by drugs and protecting them is among our top priorities.

“We receive intelligence daily to help us tackle this kind of illegal activity, and we will continue to use all powers at our disposal to bring those responsible to justice.”

Anyone who has information about drug dealing is encouraged to contact Northumbria Police on 101, report it online through the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of our website, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.