PCC welcomes united front against serious and organised crime under Operation Sentinel.

High volumes of cash, drugs and weapons have been seized over the past year, thanks to a joint operation backed by Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Matt Storey. 

Since 2019, Operation Sentinel has led the regional charge against organised crime. Its targets include drug supply, exploitation, and cyber and economic crime. 

The robust initiative was launched to target suspects, protect the vulnerable, prevent crime and dismantle the illicit operations harming North East communities. 

In the last year alone, Operation Sentinel has seen criminals sentenced to a total of 1,388 years in prison. In addition, £13,281,192 in cash was seized, 1,057kg of drugs were impounded, 218 weapons captured and 320 children safeguarded – and the good work isn’t slowing down. 

The North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU), Cleveland Police, Durham Constabulary and Northumbria Police are the powers behind the initiative and this week have re-affirmed their commitment to prioritising the fight against serious and organised crime. 

Cleveland PCC Matt Storey said: “The results of the operation in the past year speak for themselves – but we can’t afford to be complacent with organised crime. 

“The life blood of organised crime gangs (OCGs) is profiting from other people’s misery. OCGs will not stop preying on members of the public so we won’t stop working together to deter the criminals and punish those, who are found guilty of committing crime.” 

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