A Newcastle cocaine supplier who was extradited from Spain has been jailed.
William Ions, 53, has been sentenced to time behind bars after his role in a drug conspiracy that ended with him fleeing to Tenerife.
Following intelligence from encrypted messages, officers from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU) were able to link Ions to an illegal drug operation around supplying Class A drugs in the North East.
Ions, from Wills Mews, Newcastle, had suspicions he was due to be arrested and fled to Tenerife to try and evade police. However, NEROCU officers, with the support of the National Crime Agency (NCA) and Spanish authorities, proved the lengths they will go to and had him extradited to the UK in July.
He was swiftly arrested and subsequently charged, and seeing the overwhelming evidence against him, Ions appeared via video-link on August 16 to Newcastle Crown Court and pleaded guilty to five counts of conspiracy to supply cocaine and six counts of money laundering.
Last Friday (November 22), he appeared before the same court and was sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment.
Following the sentence hearing, Detective Inspector Simon Drenon of the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit said, “This is a superb result following tireless work from our officers who remain dedicated to identifying and disrupting these illegal drug operations.
“Ions knew his guilt and thought fleeing the country would protect him from justice – we’ve demonstrated this isn’t the case.
“This case and sentencing serves as the latest warning to anyone who believes they can mask their illegal offending by using encrypted messaging application methodology. We’ll find you and ensure you have your day in court as part of our ongoing regional clampdown on organised crime through Operation Sentinel.”
Neil Keeping, NCA Regional Manager for Spain, said, “William Ions thought he could escape justice by fleeing the UK and hiding abroad. He was mistaken. Through the intense efforts of the Spanish National Police and our overseas officers, he was traced to Tenerife and arrested earlier this year.
“This case is further proof that there is nowhere for British fugitives to hide. Working alongside our international law enforcement partners, we are committed to tracking down offenders on the run and returning them to the UK to face charges.”
Drenon added, “We urge the public to report any suspicions they may have about drug supply, the damage to vulnerable people and our communities is devastating but together we can protect others and pursue those responsible.”
