A Gateshead man who ran a county lines drugs operation while continuing to claim benefits has been jailed for 32 months after admitting supply of class A and class B drugs.
Investigation uncovered thousands of messages
Newcastle Crown Court heard officers linked a mobile phone number used to advertise drugs to Owen Caris, 24, of Ferndene Grove, Ryton. Over a 22-week period, prosecutors said the phone sent more than 10,000 bulk messages promoting cocaine and cannabis and was used to arrange deals and direct other suppliers to street-level customers.
When arrested, Caris was found with a collection of high-value items including an iPhone and gold jewellery. Prosecutors told the court the spending was inconsistent with the level of legitimate income he reported while receiving benefits.
"He was on benefits at the time so those purchases were well in excess of his benefits and are attributed to his criminal activity,"
The court was told the total potential street value of drugs dealt during the period could be as much as £131,228, although that figure varied depending on whether the products were cocaine or cannabis. Even at the lower estimate the figure remained substantial.
Items seized and estimated values
| Item | Estimated value |
|---|---|
| Fake Rolex | £1,000 |
| 9-carat gold necklace, chain and ring | Up to £12,000 |
| iPhone | £750 |
Court evidence and background
Prosecutors explained that the connection between Caris and the phone number was established partly after his mother provided the number to police. The Department for Work and Pensions had also held the same contact number for him, and investigators identified numerous outgoing calls from that handset to family members.
In mitigation, Caris told the court he had first been approached to sell drugs as a teenager and later resumed due to financial pressure. He said he had been paid around £200 a day for his involvement. The record shows Caris has no previous convictions and that he has been diagnosed with autism and ADHD.
- Offence period: a 22-week period between March and August last year.
- Nature of offending: distribution of cocaine and cannabis via a county lines phone.
- Sentence: 32 months' imprisonment following a guilty plea.
Local residents and officials will note the case highlights how organised drug supply can be conducted using bulk messaging and commonplace mobile phones, sometimes linked to family contact details. The conviction and custodial sentence reflect the courts' approach to county lines activity and the link between drug dealing and proceeds used to fund a lifestyle beyond declared legitimate income.
Anyone with concerns about drug activity in their neighbourhood is encouraged to contact Northumbria Police through the usual non-emergency channels or Crimestoppers anonymously.
