Two men who shared a conspiracy to supply the North East with cocaine and cannabis have been put behind bars for a combined total of 27 years.

Michael Falcus and Michael Rice were the drug dealing duo behind a coordinated supply of 12 kilos of cocaine and eight kilos of cannabis, boasting a combined value in excess of £400,000.

The pair were part of a scheme to supply the drugs between March and June 2020 - using an encrypted chat to smuggle drugs in as Rice stored the illicit substances working as a 'trusted man' in the operation.

Michael Falcus.Michael Falcus. (Image: NORTHUMBRIA POLICE) Following a sting by Northumbria Police, they were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs in April 2021, with searches conducted of their home addresses.

Falcus, 55, of Manor Drive, Benton, was charged with one count of conspiracy to Class A drugs, and one count of conspiracy to supply Class B drugs.

Falcus was jailed for 17 years, while Rice was handed a 10-year term behind bars.

Rice, 59, of Harriet Street, Blaydon, was charged with one count of conspiracy to supply cocaine, and one count of conspiracy to supply cannabis.

The pair were found guilty on all charges at Newcastle Crown Court in summer and on Friday (November 8) were handed their sentence.

Following the sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector Marc Michael, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is a superb result and I would like to thank the tireless work of officers.

Michael Rice.Michael Rice. (Image: NORTHUMBRIA POLICE) “Falcus, in particular, was a prominent figure within an organised criminal network that sought to profit from the trade of destructive substances which wreak such devastating consequences in our communities.

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“These lengthy sentences mark the latest success for Operation Sentinel - our dedicated initiative to tackling serious and organised crime in the North East.

“The money earned from the most vulnerable members of our communities is often reinvested into further criminal enterprises, and this is why it is crucial for members of the public to continue supporting our enquiries.

“Anyone with any reports on suspicious activity or concerns should always report them to us – no matter how small or insignificant it may seem.”