Two drug dealers are behind bars for their illicit activities involving the supply of high-purity cocaine.
But extradition proceedings were required to bring one of the pair back from the Continent to face justice in the UK.
Christopher Hobaiter had fled to a bolt-hole in Spain's Costa Blanca prior to the arrest of his accomplice, Ben Cousans in the North East.
Hobaiter, 43, and 46-year-old Cousans were today (Wednesday August 19) jailed for their roles in a large drug operation in the Cleveland Police force area.
Ben Cousans, left, and Christopher Hobaiter both jailed for the supply of high-purity cocaine in the Cleveland Police force area
(Image: NEROCU)
Cousans was driving his Jaguar near Scotch Corner when he was stopped by officers from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU) with the support of Durham Constabulary, on May 22, 2024.
Ben Cousans was stopped in his Jaguar from which a large cocaine consignment was recovered
(Image: NEROCU)
The car was searched during the arrest and officers found a kilogram of cocaine, which later proved to be of 92-per cent purity, with an estimated £100,000 street value.
He was arrested at the scene and subsequently charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine.
Further inquiries revealed Cousans was being directed by Hobaiter, who played a key role in organising the drug distribution.
Christopher Hobaiter directed illicit drug supply and fled to Spain from where he had to be extradited back to UK
(Image: NEROCU)
Before Cousans’ arrest, Hobaiter drove to Alicante in south-east Spain.
NEROCU officers worked with Spanish authorities to issue a warrant for his arrest and successfully detained and extradited him back to the UK, before he, too, was charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine.
Both later pleaded guilty to the charge and today the duo appeared at Teesside Crown Court, where they were sentenced.
A 12-year term of imprisonment was imposed by Recorder Paul Reid on Hobaiter, of Linden Avenue in Stockton, while Cousans, of The Argory, Ingleby Barwick, received a four-year sentence.
Speaking after the hearing, NEROCU Detective Inspector Simon Drenon, said: “This has been an excellent display of the specialist operations we’re carrying out on a regular basis to pursue offenders like Cousans and Hobaiter and bring them before a court.
“It has demonstrated the united stance we have, alongside our partners in the North East, to protect communities and tackle illegal drug operations, no matter their scale or where those involved try to hide.
“Having Class A drugs imported to the North East is incredibly damaging to our communities.
“It can create harm and violence and profits from these sales fund wider organised crimes like child sexual abuse and modern slavery.
“Under the banner of Operation Sentinel, our united regional approach to tackling serious and organised crime in all forms, we’ll continue to work with partners to pursue suspects and protect the public.”
Suspicious behaviour can be reported to local police using the 101-phone line or via the force’s website.
But, in an emergency, or where a crime is taking place, the advice is to always dial 999.
Members of the public can also report information anonymously by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers on (0800) 555 111.