Dangerous dealer jailed for 15 years

Date published: 27 April 2009

A 37-YEAR-OLD man, who admitted drugs and firearms offences, was jailed for more than 15 years on Friday.

Mark Sindrey, of Curzon Road, Kirkholt, Rochdale, — who was described by police as a “major player in the supply of dangerous drugs on the streets” — pleaded guilty to possession of a gun, ammunition and cannabis, as well as possession of class A drugs with intent to supply.

On August 1 last year, Sindrey was arrested on suspicion of stealing a car — he was driving an Audi A4 bought in Devon, reportedly using a fraudulent credit card.

A warrant was issued to search two addresses belonging to Sindrey in Mona Road, Chadderton, and Curzon Road, Kirkholt.

Officers found 17, 25kg, barrels of Benzocaine — with an approximate value of £400,000 – a 9mm SLP pistol handgun, 47 rounds of 9mm Luger ammunition and drugs paraphernalia In Curzon Road.

Two safes were also recovered, one containing two large blocks of cocaine powder with a street value of more than £80,000.

A search of the house on Mona Road, Chadderton, resulted in a large quantity of amphetamines with a street value of £23,000, cocaine, scales and a cash counting machine as well as other drugs-related items.

A search carried out on the Audi, found £1,500 cash.

Sindrey was sentenced to 15 years and four months.

Detective Constable Philip Whitehead from Rochdale CID, said: “It is clear that Sindrey was a major player in the supply of dangerous drugs on the streets of Rochdale and beyond.

“The fact we found a gun and ammunition demonstrates how dangerous an individual Sindrey is.

“Thankfully, every bullet we recover represents a potential life saved.

“I am pleased Sindrey will now spend a considerable amount of time behind bars where he will be unable to continue his trade as a dangerous career criminal.