Drug-dealer jailed after supplying deadly drug
Nitazenes have been responsible for seven drug-related deaths in North Yorkshire over the past two years
Last updated 19th Jun 2025
A 30-year-old man from Spring Bank has been sentenced at York Crown Court after admitting to supplying one of the most dangerous synthetic opioids currently circulating in the UK.
Brian Hollywood was jailed on Tuesday (17 June) after pleading guilty to three counts of possessing with intent to supply nitazene, a potent and deadly Class A drug.
His conviction follows an in-depth investigation by Scarborough CID, supported by the local Neighbourhood Policing Team and the Intelligence Unit.
Hollywood’s arrest came after a series of coordinated warrants were executed across Scarborough in January. Initial police seizures appeared to be Xanax, a Class C drug, but forensic testing told a far more serious story.
Samples sent to the University of York under the North Yorkshire Drug Analysis Project (NYDAP) revealed the true contents to be nitazenes—synthetic opioids several times stronger than heroin or fentanyl.
Given the lethal potency of the drug and the charges now involving a Class A substance, Hollywood was immediately remanded in custody until sentencing.
Nitazenes have been responsible for seven drug-related deaths in North Yorkshire over the past two years and are part of a growing public health crisis across the UK. Their extreme strength and frequent mislabelling in the illegal drug trade make them especially dangerous to unsuspecting users.
Detective Inspector Amber Carey of Scarborough Police emphasised the broader danger Hollywood posed to the community: “Drug dealers like Brian Hollywood bring nothing but anguish to our communities.
"The risk that nitazenes pose is significant and clearly Hollywood has demonstrated that he has no regard for the potential devastation he could cause,” she said.
“The tenacity and drive to secure justice by the officer in the case, who was supported by Intelligence and Neighbourhood Policing Team officers, demonstrates we will do all we can to clamp down on such offenders and take them off our streets.”
DI Carey also praised the public for assisting the investigation: “I also thank residents for providing valuable information and intelligence to us, either directly or anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers.
"We can all play a part in tackling crime and making our area safer and more secure.”
"The North Yorkshire Drug Analysis Project, now based at the University of York, played a pivotal role in identifying the real threat posed by Hollywood’s drug supply."
Danny Stannard, Harm Reduction Officer in Local Policing Support, said: “As this case shows, the use of NYDAP can play a crucial role in criminal investigations which is great to see.
“The project provides quick and accurate information to North Yorkshire Police and our Public Health partners to identify emerging harms from substances within the illegal drug market in our area.
"Ultimately, NYDAP is about reducing harm and saving lives.”