By Kayleigh Fraser
Reporter
Newcastle, UK – Two men involved in a conspiracy to flood the North East of England with cocaine and cannabis have been handed lengthy prison sentences, totaling 27 years. Michael Falcus and Michael Rice were sentenced after their involvement in a major drug operation was exposed by Northumbria Police.
Falcus, aged 55, of Manor Drive in Benton, and Rice, aged 59, of Harriet Street in Blaydon, were at the centre of a coordinated scheme to supply 12 kilos of cocaine and 8 kilos of cannabis between March and June of 2020. The drugs had an estimated street value exceeding £400,000.
The pair used encrypted communications to coordinate the illicit trade, with Rice serving as a “trusted man” who stored and facilitated the movement of the drugs. Their activities were uncovered following a sting operation by Northumbria Police in April 2021, leading to their arrest and subsequent searches of their homes.
Falcus was charged with one count of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs (cocaine) and one count of conspiracy to supply Class B drugs (cannabis). Rice faced similar charges for conspiracy to supply both cocaine and cannabis.
At Newcastle Crown Court, both men were found guilty of all charges. Falcus was sentenced to 17 years in prison, while Rice was handed a 10-year sentence.
Detective Chief Inspector Marc Michael from Northumbria Police praised the result, emphasizing the impact of the operation on the community. “This is a significant result, and I want to commend the hard work of officers involved,” said DCI Michael. “Falcus was a key figure in an organised criminal network that sought to profit from drugs that bring nothing but destruction to our communities. These long sentences highlight our commitment to tackling serious organised crime.”
The case was part of Operation Sentinel, a dedicated initiative by Northumbria Police to combat organised crime in the region. The police continue to urge the public to report any suspicious activity or concerns about criminal enterprises, no matter how small or insignificant they may seem.
“We rely on the public’s help to combat these types of crimes,” DCI Michael added. “Drug profits often fuel further criminal activity, and it’s vital that we work together to keep our communities safe.”
