Heroin and crack cocaine dealer dealt with at court

Another Class A drug dealer has been dealt with at court thanks to the determination of the police in Scarborough armed with vital support from concerned residents.

Luke Jordan Robinson, 22, of North Marine Road, Scarborough, was sentenced to 22 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, at York Crown Court today (Tuesday 5 April 2022).

He also must carry out 100 hours of unpaid work and participate in a rehabilitation activity requirement for a maximum of 45 days.

He had pleaded guilty to two charges of being concerned in the supply of heroin and crack cocaine in the town between June and July last year.

Detectives were able to prove that Robinson had been operating a mobile phone ‘deal-line’ used to broadcast messages to potential customers.

When he was arrested in September, he denied any knowledge of this phone and could not explain other evidence, including CCTV, that was put to him about his movements and activity connected with the investigation.

It also proved to be telling that activity on the ‘deal-line’ completely ceased during the time he was being held in custody, and then started again when he was released on bail.   

Taking all the evidence into consideration, the Crown Prosecution Service authorised the charges of being concerned in the supply of heroin and crack cocaine.

Detective Constable Darrel Temple, of Scarborough and Ryedale CID, led the investigation into Robinson’s offending.

Following the sentencing, he said: “Our approach to tackling drug-related crime in our communities is relentless. We will continue to exert maximum pressure on local dealers as well as those who travel into our area from other towns and cities.”

 

DC Temple added: “For this and many other cases that we’ve successfully brought to justice, a vital factor has been the excellent information we receive from residents and business owners who witness suspected drug dealing and suspicious activity in their neighbourhoods.

“It’s important to trust your instincts and to report anything that does not seem to be right.

“One piece of information could progress an ongoing line of enquiry or spark off a whole new investigation.

“Our message is to please keep passing on this information to the police, either directly in confidence or anonymously through Crimestoppers.

“It’s really appreciated by us and it’s a chance for everyone to help make the Scarborough area a safer place to live, work and visit.” 

 

Reporting information about drug-related crime

Anyone with any information about suspected drug-related crime are urged to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 1, and speak to the Force Control Room.

Always dial 999 if an emergency response is required.

If you would prefer to remain anonymous, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or make a report online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org. 

 

The signs of drug dealing can include

• Increased callers at a property at all times of the day or night
• Increase in cars pulling up for short periods of time
• Different accents at a property
• Anti-social behaviour at a property
• Not seeing the resident for long periods of time
• Drug-related rubbish – small plastic bags, syringes
• Windows covered or curtains closed for long periods

  

Get help for drug addiction

• North Yorkshire Horizons - adult specialist drug and alcohol service - freephone 08000 14 14 80 – nyhorizons.org.uk/
• North Yorkshire Rise – young people's specialist drug and alcohol service- freephone 08000 14 14 80 (option 2) – org.uk/service/nyrise/
• City of York Drug and Alcohol Service - 01904 464 680 - changing-lives.org.uk/services/drug-alcohol/york-drug-alcohol-support-services/
• NHS -uk/live-well/healthy-body/drug-addiction-getting-help/
• FRANK helpline and information - https://www.talktofrank.com/