Five jailed in North East after drugs and firearms conspiracy uncovered
Five members of an organised crime group who armed themselves with firearms and sought to flood the North East with cocaine and heroin have been jailed for a combined total of almost six decades.
Last updated 17th Oct 2025
Five members of an organised crime group who armed themselves with firearms and sought to flood the North East with cocaine and heroin have been jailed for a combined total of almost six decades.
Northumbria Police uncovered the conspiracy after infiltrating the offenders’ ‘Encrochat’ encrypted messaging – revealing the illicit trade of more than 50 kilos of cocaine, 20 kilos of heroin and 200 kilos of amphetamines.
The encrypted messages also showed a number of conspirators discussing the possession and storage of firearms between March and June 2020.
Shaun Monaghan was returned from Turkey following an investigation led by specialist officers working as part of Operation Venetic.
Monaghan operated as the head of the operation by orchestrating the wholesale distribution of drugs across our region.
Bryn Bowden, James Ramshaw, James White, and Monaghan’s brother-in-law Steven Graham all acted as trusted associates and played a variety of roles in the widespread conspiracy.
Following a comprehensive and long-running investigation, the men were arrested and subsequently charged with a string of conspiracy offences.
Faced with overwhelming evidence, they pleaded guilty and appeared at Newcastle Crown Court on Thursday and Friday where they were sentenced to the following:
• Monaghan, 45, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges to supply cocaine, to supply amphetamine, two counts to supply heroin, to possess firearms, to possess ammunition without a firearms certificate, and a charge of grievous bodily harm from a separate investigation. He was sentenced to 27 years’ imprisonment.
• Bowden, 28, of West Farm Avenue, Longbenton, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply amphetamine, being concerned in the supply of cocaine, and to possess ammunition without a firearms certificate. He was sentenced to seven years behind bars.
• Graham, 45, of Alston Gardens, Throckley, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine, and conspiracy to possess firearms. He was locked up for eight years.
• Ramshaw, 41, of Hambleton Court, Ashington, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine. He was sentenced to nine years’ and four months behind bars.
• White, 45, of Orchard Drive, Newbiggin Hall, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine. He was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment.
Simon Lancaster, 34, of no fixed abode, is due to be sentenced at the same court next months for his involvement in the conspiracy.
He previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges to supply cocaine, to supply amphetamine, two counts to supply heroin, to possess firearms, and to possess ammunition without a firearms certificate.
Following the sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector Marc Michael, of Northumbria Police, said: “Monaghan spearheaded an illicit network which sought to profit from the trade of hundreds of kilos of destructive illegal substances.
“Monaghan thought he could leave the country and face zero consequences for his actions.
“However, there is no hiding place for drug dealers in the North East and beyond and along with his criminal associates, they are now facing substantial sentences behind bars.
“This was a complex investigation and thanks to the tireless efforts of all involved, these conspirators were left with no choice but to plead guilty at court.
“Firearms and substances such as these cause untold damage to our communities, and I am delighted we have been able to remove dangerous offenders from our streets for a significant period of time.”
Det Ch Insp Michael added: “These latest sentences represent the latest success for Operation Sentinel – our dedicated initiative tackling serious and organised crime in our region.
“Criminal networks such as these often seek to profit from the most vulnerable members of our communities before reinvesting their money into further illegal enterprises.
“Anyone with any reports on suspicious activity or concerns should always report them to us – no matter how small or insignificant it may seem.”
Nigel James, specialist prosecutor from the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “Monaghan was the driving force behind a criminal enterprise that flooded communities with dangerous drugs and had access to weapons that posed a serious threat to public safety.
“He used EncroChat prolifically to communicate with his associates in the mistaken belief that it offered anonymity. However, the messages allowed prosecutors to directly link Monaghan to storage of class A drugs and firearms and demonstrate him controlling the day-to-day running of this criminal business.
“International co-operation was also a key facet of this case, and CPS lawyers and our extradition unit worked with law enforcement agencies in Turkey, the UAE and Oman to ensure that members of this criminal group returned to the UK to face charges.
"This successful prosecution was possible through close working with Northumbria Police. We are pleased to have removed this dangerous criminal network from our streets and will be pursuing confiscation proceedings to remove any criminal assets from the group.”