Overview

• Between March and May 2020, Matthews orchestrated the supply of 22kg of cocaine worth £803,000 across Durham, South Tyneside and Sunderland.
• He used an EncroChat encrypted phone to coordinate large-scale Class A drug deals within the organized network.
• Officers arrested Matthews in May 2022 and charged him with intent to supply Class A drugs at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court in 2023.
• At Newcastle Crown Court on July 22, a judge handed him a 13-year prison term, which he is now serving.
• Northumbria Police’s Operation Sentinel continues to target remaining network members and urges the public to report any suspicious activity.