Major Drug Gang Busted in Massive Police Raid
In November 2019, over 160 officers from across Northern England launched a massive crackdown that brought down a ruthless organised crime gang once and for all.
Nine Men Arrested After 15 Property Raids
The operation targeted 15 properties, including those owned by kingpin Leighton Hackett and his henchmen Sonny Thompson, Jake Lee, and John Nelson. All nine men were arrested in a series of quick strikes.
Hackett, who admitted conspiracy to supply heroin and cannabis, was caught red-handed at his County Durham home. Police seized 11 phones, £6,600 cash, anti-surveillance gadgets, and weapons like knuckledusters and hunting knives.
John Nelson later pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply heroin after officers found over 5kgs of class A drugs on him.
While Thompson and Jake Lee initially denied charges, they eventually copped to conspiring to supply cannabis.
Police Trail Led Straight to Liverpool Drug Links
Newcastle Crown Court heard that the group had been under surveillance for months. They were seen travelling between Liverpool and Wearside, cooperating with associates Yoann Lou and Martin Pearson to organise drug shipments.
The coordinated strike marked one of the largest operations carried out by the Force, with police swooping on locations across Sunderland, Durham, and Merseyside. In total, £600,000 worth of heroin, £18,000 cash, and six luxury cars were seized.
Gang Members Sentenced to Nearly 36 Years
Following the complex investigation, seven men faced trial and on March 25 were handed a combined sentence of 35 years and 10 months at Newcastle Crown Court.
“These sentences mark the end of a long-running investigation into Hackett and his despicable drug enterprise,” said Detective Inspector Brian Smith of the Priority and Organised Crime Team. “We will never apologise for taking firm action against organised crime. This gang caused misery across Wearside, Merseyside, and beyond.”
“Thanks to officers from NERSOU and Merseyside Police for their tireless work. Under Operation Sentinel, we will keep disrupting criminal networks and bringing offenders to justice.”
Sentences in Detail
- Leighton Hackett, 37, Hesledon, Hartlepool – 9 years for conspiracy to supply heroin and cannabis.
- John Nelson, 50, Houghton Le Spring – 7 years 3 months for possession with intent to supply heroin.
- Sonny Thompson, 27, Sunderland – 8 months for conspiracy to supply cannabis.
- Jake Lee, 22, Sunderland – 8 months for conspiracy to supply cannabis.
- Yoann Lou, 39, Liverpool – 6 years 4 months for conspiracy to supply heroin.
- Martin Pearson, 32, Liverpool – 6 years 5 months for conspiracy to supply heroin.
- Gareth Lewis, 44, Liverpool – 2 years 10 months for conspiracy to supply heroin.
This operation sends a clear message: organised criminal gangs pushing addictive drugs will be hunted down and locked up.
