Ten jailed and £13million worth of drugs off streets thanks to large-scale police investigation

A band of criminals have been sentenced to more than 75 years behind bars for the various roles they played in an illicit drug operation spanning from South Durham to Thailand involving Class A and B drugs.

The investigation by the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU), known as Operation Box, has seen months of planning, warrants executed, and strikes carried out to build their case of evidence against the organised criminals and make sure they each have their day in court.

Around £13million worth of cocaine and cannabis was also taken off the streets by police during the investigation.  

Jordan Stoker, 30, the believed leader of this unlawful crew, had orchestrated the large-scale drug supply and distribution operation which involved drug mules being dropped at airports, flying to Thailand where large quantities of cannabis were obtained, before flying back to the UK and smuggling the drugs into North East communities.

NEROCU officers got wind of the illicit activity and through a complex investigation with UK Border Force Agency, and were able to identify the suspects and put their police plan into action.

The Sowerby brothers - Christoher, 30, Ian, 32, and Shaun, 37 - operated a safe house for the drug operation where both cocaine and cannabis were being stored for onward distribution.

Matthew Goodwin, 25, and Trelawny Brown, 31, were identified as drug mules who travelled to Thailand.

Brian Stoker, 48, Jordan’s father, and Paul Lamb, 45, assisted in the transportation of the drug mules to and from the airport.

Jordan’s mother, Sarah Leighton, 48, and Ethan Smith, 23, Jordan’s half-brother, were involved in the counting and storage of cash made from the group’s criminality. More than £280k in cash was seized over the investigation.

Additionally, a total of 1.3 tonnes of cannabis was recovered as well as more than 30kgs of cocaine – with a total street value estimated at almost £13million.

Following their arrest and charge, all ten of the suspects pleaded guilty thanks to the overwhelming evidence gathered by the NEROCU team.

On Friday (August 1), all appeared before Teesside Crown Court where they were handed their sentences by a judge:

• Jordan Stoker, of Hambleton Road, Coundon, Bishop Auckland, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine and conspiracy to fraudulently evade a prohibition on importation controlled drugs, was sentenced to 19 years imprisonment.
• Brian Stoker, of Birch Avenue, Shildon, Co Durham, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to fraudulently evade a prohibition on importation controlled drugs, was sentenced to five years and two months imprisonment.
• Paul Lamb, of McCullagh Gardens, Bishop Auckland, Co Durham, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to fraudulently evade a prohibition on importation controlled drugs, was sentenced to seven years and two months imprisonment.
• Christopher Sowerby, of Teesdale Walk, Shildon, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine and conspiracy to fraudulently evade a prohibition on importation controlled drugs, was sentenced to 13 years and one month imprisonment.
• Shaun Sowerby, of Teesdale Walk, Shildon, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine and conspiracy to fraudulently evade a prohibition on importation controlled drugs, was sentenced to 13 years and one month imprisonment.
• Ian Sowerby, of Teesdale Walk, Shildon, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine and conspiracy to fraudulently evade a prohibition on importation controlled drugs, was sentenced to 10 years and 10 months imprisonment.
• Matthew Goodwin, of Kinnaird House, Curtis Street, Wigan, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to fraudulently evade a prohibition on importation controlled drugs, was sentenced to three years and nine months imprisonment.
• Trelawny Brown, of Leedham Close, Sheffield, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to fraudulently evade a prohibition on importation controlled drugs, was sentenced to three years and four months imprisonment.
• Sarah Leighton, of Queen Street, Shildon, who pleaded guilty to money laundering, was sentenced to 22 months suspended for two years.
• Ethan Smith, of Queen Street, Shildon, who pleaded guilty to money laundering, was sentenced to 18 months suspended for two years.

Speaking after the sentencing, NEROCU Detective Inspector Simon Drenon, who led the investigation, said: “This is a great result for the region and a fierce display of partnership working demonstrating a united front against drug supply.

“I want to thank everyone involved in this investigation, it has been incredibly complex and due to the hard work by everyone, we have been able to see a fantastic result at court.

“We hope this sends a strong message to criminals – we have specialist teams with excellent resources at their disposal that remain dedicated to carrying out lengthy and complex investigations to target and pursue suspects, no matter where you travel or reside – there is nowhere to hide.”

DI Drenon added: “Organised drug supply, in whatever form, leads to a range of other issues such as violence and exploitation and we know profits from drugs are often then invested in wider organised crime such as continued Class A drug supply, firearms, modern slavery and child sexual exploitation.

“Under the wider banner of Operation Sentinel we will continue to pursue offenders and disrupt criminals who seek to make a profit from supplying drugs and harming our North East communities.”

If you have any information or concerns about drug supply, contact your local police or report it via the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.