A North East man involved in a drug trafficking network has been sentenced to more than five years in prison following a major police operation targeting organised crime.

Harvey Dawson, 28, of Camden Street, North Shields, was found to have distributed 1.5 kilograms of cocaine, valued at £60,000, into the region using an encrypted EncroChat mobile phone in 2020.

Harvey Dawson has been jailed after being involved in the distribution of cocaine valued at £60,000Harvey Dawson has been jailed after being involved in the distribution of cocaine valued at £60,000 (Image: Northumbria Police) Evidence uncovered during Operation Venetic, an international investigation into organised crime, also linked Dawson to conspiracies to supply amphetamine and ketamine.

Specialist officers revealed that Dawson used the EncroChat network daily to coordinate the sourcing, supply, and payment for drugs with multiple users.

He was arrested in March 2021 and later charged with conspiracy to supply Class A and Class B drugs.

Dawson pleaded guilty to the charges at Newcastle Crown Court in July 2024 and was sentenced at the same court on Friday, November 22 to five years and two months in prison.

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Detective Chief Inspector Marc Michael of Northumbria Police said: “This is yet another superb outcome for our communities, and the tireless work of our officers left Dawson with little choice but to admit his guilt.

“He attempted to hide his offending and profit from the trade of a substance which is so destructive and harmful to our communities.

“There is no hiding place for drug dealers in the North East, and as part of the ongoing Operation Sentinel, we will continue to clamp down on organised criminal activity. It is crucial for members of the public to continue assisting us.”

Northumbria Police urged anyone with information about drug-related crime to get in touch via their website, social media channels, or by calling 101.