Whitby Drug Dealer ‘Spunky’ Caught and Locked Up
James Hardy, 37, nicknamed ‘Spunky’ in Whitby, has been sentenced after admitting to dealing large amounts of Class A drugs. He faced two charges at Scarborough Magistrates’ Court in May 2022 for possession with intent to supply crack cocaine and heroin.
Crack and Heroin Supply Revealed
- December 10, 2020: 20 wraps of crack cocaine
- February 26, 2021: 11 wraps of heroin
Hardy’s drug operations were closely linked to Teesside ‘County Lines’ dealer Emma Seed. Seed was handed a staggering 11 years and 9 months in prison earlier this year for flooding Whitby with heroin and cocaine.
Police Crack Down With Heavy Support
Scarborough and Ryedale CID detectives worked alongside the Operational Support Unit to carry out detailed searches across multiple addresses and vehicles, unearthing crucial evidence. The Digital Forensics Unit helped crack the case by analysing phones and digital devices seized during the investigation.
“Through this painstaking work, we secured irrefutable evidence that James Hardy was behind a significant Class A drug operation in Whitby linked to the Emma Seed county line,” said Detective Constable Steve Monty.
“He had no choice but to plead guilty. It’s encouraging Hardy has received a lengthy prison sentence.”
“We fully understand Whitby’s concerns over drug crime and the damage it causes in the community. We thank residents and businesses for standing up to dealers by reporting concerns to police, the council, or Crimestoppers anonymously.”
“Our actions in this and other cases show a relentless approach to fighting drug crime in Whitby.”
