Drugs operation jails 61

The operation was aimed at those supplying heroin

A massive drugs operation in the north-east of England has led to jail sentences totalling more than 250 years.

Operation Jamboree involved more than 200 officers from the Northumbria force area and was aimed at reducing the availability of Class A drugs, particularly heroin.

More than 100 arrests were made at 120 addresses in October, 2002, which resulted in 48 men and 13 women being jailed at Newcastle Crown Court for just over 262 years.

The sentences ranged from 12 months to eight years for possessing and supplying Class A drugs..

Others were given community rehabilitation orders, suspended jail sentences, drug treatment testing orders and community punishment orders.

'Hot spots'

The arrests were the culmination of more than nine months' work by force specialist squads.

Detective Inspector Steve Barron of Northumbria Police, said: "Many of those jailed were well known faces in some communities where they had been identified as drug dealers and hopefully these results will send a positive message to the public.

"The impact has been significant with teams of dealers taken out of some areas, improving the quality of life for people living in these communities.

"This was an extensive operation and we received a great deal of help from the public who told us where the drug hot spots were and who was involved."

The operation was also supported by health professionals in the area.

'Prescription drugs

Bob Smith, acting chief executive of Gateshead Primary Care Trust, said: "The success of Operation Jamboree in bringing drugs offenders to justice is great news.

"Not only does this help improve the health and well-being of the drug users themselves, but it has a knock-on effect which benefits everyone because of the reduction in crime and increase in community safety."

Roy McLachlan, chief executive of South Tyneside Primary Care Trust, added: "Since Operation Jamboree, there are now fewer drugs and fewer drug dealers on our streets and that will have a positive impact on many people's lives."

Mr Baron added: "During the operation we became aware of a market for prescription drugs and three of those arrested were convicted for supplying them."

A total of 100 arrests were made in the Gateshead area, which resulted in 83 convictions.

Some 37 arrests were made in the South Tyneside area, resulting in 21 convictions.