Operation Laser

Mark Longhurst (aka Cadogan), a 45 year old international drug dealer from Newcastle was jailed in April 2008 for 10 years and ordered to pay £923,757 being given 6 months to pay or face a default sentence of 7 years.  He also had an 8 year travel restriction imposed on him to commence once released from custody.

The confiscation investigation was conducted by the North East Regional Asset Recovery Team following the successful conviction achieved by Northumbria Police. 

This is the largest confiscation order ever secured for Northumbria Police.

Det Inspector John Cox of Northumbria Police said: “The investigation has not only smashed a national drugs ring, but also sent a clear message to those who deal in drugs that the police will leave no stone unturned to catch them”

DCI Steve Waite of the NE Regional Asset Recovery Team: endorsed the Northumbrian comments and said “The results achieved by the various teams working in partnership during the course of Operation Laser highlight the advantages of enlisting the services of the NE RART and working together with a common goal to ensure that those who have clearly benefitted from their criminal conduct have it stripped away from them”