A LARGE-SCALE undercover police operation has resulted in the conviction of a gang of drug dealers.

The three-month Northumbria Police investigation, named Operation Lynx, culminated in raids at addresses across Newcastle, netting £17,000 worth of heroin.

Seven people were sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court yesterday.

Jailed for being concerned in the supply of heroin were residents Raymond Johnson, 43, of John Street, Felling, Gateshead, three years; Anthony Johnson, 41, of Avalon Walk, Newcastle, three-and-a-half years; Glyn Fowler, 23, of Sceptre Court, Newcastle, two-and-a-half years) and Michael Dixon, 45, of Chillingham Road, Newcastle, three years ten months.

Sarah Maddison, 34, of Fifth Avenue, Heaton, Newcastle, and Ian Black, 31, of Ulverstone Avenue, Walker, Newcastle, were convicted of possessing heroin with intent to supply and were given 12 months suspended for two years.

Harry McDonald, 41, of The Willows, Newcastle was convicted of possessing heroin and ordered to do 12 months community service.