Dylan Kenny, a 27-year-old from South Shields, was arrested in Bristol in November 2023 with over a kilo of cocaine. He appeared at Newcastle Crown Court today after pleading guilty to supplying Class A drugs.
Kenny, of Olive Street, was involved in a complex drug operation linked to Class A drugs. The police investigation, Operation Sentinel, began in September 2023 to tackle suspected drug supply and distribution in the North East.
Investigation and arrest
The North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU) was supported by Northumbria Police and Avon and Somerset Police in the investigation. In November 2023, officers executed a planned strike and arrested Kenny in Bristol, where he was found in possession of over a kilo of cocaine.
Kenny was subsequently charged with supplying Class A drugs and later pleaded guilty. Today, he was sentenced to two years suspended for 12 months.
Police comment
Detective Inspector Simon Drenon, of NEROCU, said: "This has been a fantastic result for our North East communities, this investigation has seen a substantial amount of dangerous drugs and criminal profits off our streets. Kenny thought by playing a lesser role in this criminal enterprise that he would escape justice – he couldn’t have been more wrong."
He added: "Nobody wants this type of criminality happening in their community and, as shown time and time again, it can lead to a range of other issues such as violence and exploitation. As ever, we would urge the public to remain vigilant and continue to report any concerns or suspicious activity to their local police so swift action can be taken."
Drenon said the unit will continue to work with partners under Operation Sentinel to dismantle criminal groups profiting from the sale and supply of illegal drugs.
