Partnership working results in drug dealers jailed

Two drug dealers have been jailed – after an illicit operation which involved international extradition and cocaine with a purity of 92%.

Ben Cousans, 46, and Christopher Hobaiter, 43, are getting used to their new prison cells for their roles in a large illegal drug operation in Cleveland.

In 2024 on May 22, Cousans was driving his Jaguar near Scotch Corner when he was stopped by officers from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU) with the support of Durham Constabulary.

His car was searched during the arrest and officers found a kilogram of cocaine which later proved to be 92% purity – with a street value of £100k.

Cousans was arrested at the scene and subsequently charged with Conspiracy to Supply Cocaine.
Further enquiries revealed Cousans was being directed by Hobaiter who played a key role in organising the drug distribution.

Before Cousans was arrested, Hobaiter drove to Alicante in Spain. NEROCU officers worked with Spanish authorities to issue a warrant for his arrest and successfully detained and extradited him back to the UK before also being charged with Conspiracy to Supply Cocaine.

Both later pleaded guilty to their charges and today (Wednesday) the duo appeared before Teesside Crown Court and were sentenced as followed:

• Hobaiter, of Linden Avenue in Stockton-on-Tees, was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment.
• Cousans, of The Argory, Ingleby Barwick in Stockton-on-Tees, was sentenced to 4 years imprisonment.

Speaking after the result, NEROCU Detective Inspector Simon Drenon, said: “This has been an excellent display of the specialist operations we’re carrying out on a regular basis to pursue offenders like Cousans and Hobaiter and bring them before a court.

“It has demonstrated the united stance we have in the North East, alongside our partners, to protect communities and tackle illegal drug operations – no matter their scale or where they try to hide.

“Having Class A drugs imported to the North East is incredible damaging to our communities. It can create harm and violence and profits from these sales fund wider organised crimes like child sexual abuse and modern slavery.

“Under the banner of Operation Sentinel, our united regional approach to tackling Serious and Organised crime in all forms, we’ll continue to work with partners to pursue suspects and protect the public.”

Suspicious behaviour can be reported to your local police via 101 or their website, or in an emergency, or where a crime is taking place, always dial 999.

Members of the public can also report information anonymously by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.