Pub Landlord Jailed for Role in Cocaine Conspiracy
Written by Cian Mortimer on 4th November 2024
Image: Northumbria Police
A North Tyneside pub landlord who tried to flee the country after admitting his role in a cocaine conspiracy has been sentenced to eight years in prison.
David Falcus, 52, used the encrypted messaging handle ‘Novaghost’ to facilitate the supply of Class A drugs into the North East.
Northumbria Police specialists, working under Operation Venetic, uncovered messages from Falcus between March and June 2020, revealing his involvement in distributing over two kilos of cocaine during that period.
Falcus, of Bede Close, Holystone, was arrested in February 2021, with police conducting searches of his home and business premises.
Officers recovered over £2,000 in cash from his home and another £4,650 from his workplace, along with six packages of cocaine valued at more than £4,000.
Initially denying any wrongdoing, Falcus was charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine and released on conditional bail following his first court appearance.
However, he later attempted to evade justice, booking a flight to Bahrain. His plans were thwarted when he was intercepted by officers and arrested at Heathrow Airport on July 24 this year.
Within a week, Falcus pleaded guilty to the drug charges at Newcastle Crown Court and was sentenced to eight years in prison at the same court last Friday.
Detective Chief Inspector Marc Michael of Northumbria Police, speaking after sentencing, said: “Cocaine is an incredibly addictive and destructive substance which has absolutely no place in any of our communities.
“Falcus knew the damaging consequences of his actions, yet believed he was above the law and sought to profit from the trade of the drug. He attempted to mask his offending through the use of encrypted messaging, but the dedication and teamwork of our officers ultimately left him with no choice but to admit his guilt.”
This case marks another success for Northumbria Police’s Operation Sentinel in their effort to combat organised crime and protect North East communities from drug-related harm.
If you’ve seen something suspicious in your community, let officers know by using the ‘Report’ page of the Northumbria Police website or call 101.
Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.
