Leeds man jailed for dealing class A drugs in Harrogate

The Operation Expedite team in Harrogate have secured justice against a cocaine and ecstasy dealer from Leeds.

Christopher David Corrigan (also known as Purser), aged 38, of Lingfield Drive, Moortown, was sent to prison for 22 months at York Crown Court on Thursday (17 August 2023).

 

 

He had pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply cocaine and ecstasy (MDMA) at a previous hearing.

His girlfriend at the time, Jordan Wood, aged 27, from Northallerton, stood trial for the same offences and she was found not guilty.

Background to the investigation

On 30 April 2021, officers from Operation Expedite stopped a grey Peugeot 208 on Yew Tree Lane, Harrogate, due to concerns that the driver of was involved in the supply of cocaine in the area.

They detained Corrigan and Ms Wood who was the front seat passenger.

A search of the couple and the vehicle was conducted. 72 wraps of cocaine were found within the bra of Ms Wood.

Both were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.

During police interview, Ms Wood answered “no comment” to all questions and Corrigan stated that he was in debt to a figure around £8k.

The cocaine was analysed, and the results showed that 60 wraps were 89% pure and 10 wraps were 29% pure.

Two further bags were found to be 95% pure MDMA, known more commonly as ecstasy. This too is a Class A drug.

The total amount of cocaine was just over 30 grams and the total amount of MDMA was 1.23 grams.

In total, the street value of all the drugs seized was £3,480.

A download of Corrigan’s mobile phone was completed and it contained numerous messages during which drug deals were being arranged by the ‘line holder’ and Corrigan was being sent to conduct the deals.

Corrigan pleaded guilty to the offence in April this year and has been remanded in custody awaiting the outcome of Ms Wood’s trial.

PC Michael Haydock, of Operation Expedite, said:

“This is yet another example of the excellent work conducted by North Yorkshire Police’s Expedite Team and it is pleasing to see that Corrigan, a Class A drug dealer, has been sent to prison.

“He was the main protagonist which was clear to see from the evidence presented by the Officer in the Case. Corrigan was left with no option but to admit his guilt.

“He can now reflect on his criminal behaviour whilst serving his custodial sentence. Anyone else who tries their hand at drug dealing can expect to end up where he is too.

“There is no place for drug dealers. They inflict misery and suffering on people, their families and communities, all for their own greed.

“North Yorkshire Police is committed to relentlessly targeting these criminals and we welcome the assistance of the public in doing so with valuable information passed on directly or anonymously via Crimestoppers.”

 

Reporting information about drug-related crime 

• Anyone with any information about suspected drug-related crime are urged to make a report via the North Yorkshire Police website or by calling 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 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 professional support for drug-related issues

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