A man has been given a three-year sentence this week for drug dealing after being caught with Kinder Eggs filled with crack cocaine last year.

Connor Briggs, 22, was sentenced to three years in prison at Newcastle Crown Court on Thursday, 5 December.

He was arrested at a Newcastle property shortly after 8am on Wednesday, 7 December by Northumbria Police.

Following a search of the address, officers found a quantity of crack cocaine hidden inside Kinder Egg chocolate packaging, a total of £5,260 in cash and a burner phone with a deal line.

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Briggs, of Elswick, appeared at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court on December 8 where he pleaded guilty to possession of a Class A drug with intent to supply and possession of criminal property.

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: "We hope that this case serves as a reminder to anyone looking to make money from selling illicit substances in our communities that you will be vigorously pursued by our teams.

"Tackling organised crime as part of Operation Sentinel remains one of our top priorities, and no-one should have to live with this type of criminality taking place in their area.

"We would advise any members of the public with concerns about possible illegal activity to contact us as soon as they can. This helps us to dismantle these types of operations quicker and bring those responsible to justice."

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Speaking after Briggs’ conviction last month, Detective Sergeant Chris Johnson, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is a good result thanks to the efforts of our officers who work tirelessly to stop those involved in this type of criminality.

“Anybody looking to make money from selling harmful, addictive illicit substances can expect to be pursued by our teams, have their operations dismantled and their drugs seized.

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“We hope that this latest seizure helps to reassure our communities that tackling organised crime, as part of Operation Sentinel, is one of our top priorities.”

To report suspicious activity, use the Tell us Something page on the Northumbria Police website.

Or alternatively you can report information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.