Arron Jay Gantes, 22, from Northgate, Guisborough, has been jailed for three years and eight months for selling illegal drugs to children in Whitby. Gantes ran a County Lines operation distributing cocaine, cannabis, and ecstasy to youngsters as young as 14 through flashy mobile phone advertisements.
The police investigation began after officers stopped a teenager in Whitby in 2023 and discovered illegal drugs. This led to a focused inquiry on Gantes. A subsequent raid on his Guisborough home uncovered cannabis, cocaine, MDMA, cash, and drug-dealing equipment including deal bags and scales.
Gantes targeted vulnerable teens aged 14 to 17 with branded drug names such as “Thin Mints,” “Zour Skittles,” “Candy Haze,” and “Cookie Dawg.” Evidence showed he frequently travelled to Whitby to promote his illegal advertisements. Bank records revealed he received over £25,000 through suspicious third-party cash deposits despite having no legitimate income.
Gantes pleaded guilty to seven offences, including supplying cocaine and cannabis, possessing drugs with intent to supply, and laundering criminal money. York Crown Court sentenced him on June 25, 2024.
PC Rebecca Davison of the Scarborough Response Team said, “Gantes put greed before the wellbeing of vulnerable children. He knowingly sold dangerous and illegal drugs to them, putting their health and well-being at great risk, purely for his benefit. He is now facing the consequences of his actions. I hope his time in prison provides ample time for reflection on his lifestyle choices.”
A Proceeds of Crime hearing is scheduled for October 8, 2024, at York Crown Court. Judges will decide the fate of the money and assets seized from Gantes during the investigation.
Originally published by UKNIP.
