CCTV Snaps Drug Deal ‘Return’ in Bright Orange Hi-Vis
CCTV footage caught Christopher Paul Chambers making a slick “return” handover. He wrapped drugs inside an orange hi-vis jacket and passed them to courier Bradley Mark Sinclair in Stanley back in 2020.
Encrypted Chats Exposed by Operation Venetic
The secret meeting was uncovered amid a major investigation into Chambers. Using the EncroChat handle “Magentariver,” Chambers regularly sent encrypted messages. Unbeknown to him, police cracked the code through Operation Venetic.
Intelligence revealed Chambers was importing several kilograms of cocaine from the North West, worth a staggering £600,000 on the street. Around 6kg of the Class A drug was linked to his operation.
Quality Complaints Lead to Drug ‘Refund’
Surprisingly, the CCTV captured Chambers complaining about the poor quality of the cocaine. Officers were stunned when he was granted a refund – a rare glimpse into dealer dissatisfaction.
Cash Stash and Court Drama
- Durham cops later caught Sinclair with a whopping £223,870 in cash in his car near Cambridge.
- Chambers, 31, from Preston, and Sinclair, 44, from South Shields, were charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine.
- Sinclair also faced charges for possession of criminal property tied to the cash.
Sinclair pleaded guilty at Durham Crown Court on June 20. He got five years and three months for drug supply, plus two years for criminal property possession.
Chambers skipped his trial but was found guilty in his absence and jailed for 15 years. Police have now issued a warrant for his arrest.
Durham Police Vow Crackdown
“Drugs have a detrimental impact upon our communities and we will always do everything in our power to stop and disrupt those supplying and dealing these substances,” said Detective Inspector Amanda Howe, Durham Constabulary.
“This type of activity will continue under the banner of Operation Sentinel – a partnership initiative targeting serious and organised crime across the region.”
