A North Shields man was sentenced to four years at Newcastle Crown Court today after the first Crystal Meth factory was discovered in the Northumbria Police force area last year.
Detectives in North Shields carried out a search warrant under the Misuse of Drugs Act at a flat in Dolphin Quays, North Tyneside on February 28, 2007. They found a huge haul of volatile chemicals intended to produce the Class A drug which could also have resulted in a large explosion endangering other residents.
Officers searched the home of 37-year-old Stuart Gyger and seized a substantial quantity of chemicals and drugs equipment which was intended for use to produce the highly addictive drug Crystal Meth.
Gyger was subsequently charged with the production of a Class A drug, namely methylamphetamine (Crystal Meth).
Detective Chief Inspector Ian Bentham, North Shields Area Command said: “This was the first Crystal Meth factory found by Northumbria Police officers in our force and was a significant recovery. The chemicals seized has the potential to produce a yield were worth in excess of £50,000 and would certainly have harmed people in our community had they been produced into the drug and reached their intended destination.
“Our officers were also concerned because of the way these chemicals were stored.  We recognised there was a significant risk of explosion.  There was a particular risk to other residents who also lived in the three storey block of flats.
“Northumbria Police will continue to target the scourge of drugs and those who aim to profit from their production and distribution.
“Investigations like this show our commitment to bring anyone involved in the production of drugs to justice and making the area a safer place for everyone.”
“We would appeal for anyone who is concerned about drug production or dealing in their community to contact their Neighbourhood Policing Team on 03456 043 043.  All information will be treated in the strictest confidence, or to ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”