Middleton man convicted in drugs raids

Paul Newlove, sentenced to two years in prison following drugs raids.

A Middleton man has been convicted as part of a police operation to smash a major class A drugs ring in North Manchester.

Paul Newlove, 27, of Cheetham Avenue was jailed for two years, alongside 14 other offenders who were sentenced to a total of more than 20 years in prison as a result of Operation Plainview, an intelligence-led operation targeting those suspected of being involved in the supply of Class A drugs.

Today (Monday 21 December) the final offender was sentenced at Manchester Crown Court Crown Square, in the culmination of months of work by officers to disrupt the supply of heroin and crack cocaine.

Intelligence from the Newton Heath community was compiled over several months and resulted in a series of raids in the area in March 2009

The raids involved officers from the North Manchester Division, GMP's tactical Aid Unit, the Force Intelligence Bureau and the Dog Section.

Officers forced entry to 16 addresses in the Moston, Newton Heath and Middleton areas at 6am. During searches of the addresses they found a quantity of cannabis and, in one address, a handgun.

Chief Superintendent Mark Roberts, who at the time of the raids was based at the North Manchester division, said: "It is excellent for the community and for us that these people are no longer bringing misery to their neighbours by dealing drugs.

"Operation Plainview followed complaints about drug dealing from members of the community. We will always act on any credible information that assists us in ridding our communities of this kind of criminal behaviour.

"This operation was ongoing for several months, gathering intelligence and evidence and this brings it to a successful conclusion.

"If people report suspicions to us and don't see police acting immediately it is because we are working to develop as strong a case as possible and today is also proof of that."

Anyone who is concerned about drug dealing in their area should ring Greater Manchester Police on 0161 872 5050 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.