Drug dealer jailed for killing boy, 7, and man in Newcastle explosion
A drug dealer has been jailed for 14 years after a cannabis lab explosion killed a seven-year-old boy and a 35-year-old man in Newcastle.
Reece Galbraith, 33, admitted two counts of manslaughter following the blast in Violet Close, Benwell, on 16 October 2024. The explosion killed Jason Laws and young Archie York, who was asleep in the flat above.
Deadly blast from illegal drug lab
Galbraith and Laws had been using the property to produce cannabis concentrates, known as “shatter” or “butane honey oil,” through a process involving over 100 butane gas canisters. The highly flammable gas ignited, causing a devastating explosion that destroyed six homes and displaced 140 residents.
Archie was in bed when the blast tore through his home, which he shared with his parents and baby brother. His mother, Katherine Errington, told the court: “You brought gas canisters into a building where families lived. You ran a drugs operation under the floor where my children slept. You took risks for profit and didn’t care who got hurt. You killed my son.”
Investigation uncovers dangerous operation
Police investigations revealed that Galbraith had been producing cannabis edibles, or “gummies,” using the concentrates. Prior to the explosion, he had been stopped by police and found in possession of drugs and molds for making cannabis sweets. Analysis of his mobile phone showed 80 text messages related to the sale of cannabis edibles.
Following the explosion, Galbraith was found walking away from the scene, suffering from severe burns. He spent a month in hospital, including a week in an induced coma, and continues to receive treatment for his injuries.
Court sentencing and warnings
At Newcastle Crown Court, Galbraith was sentenced to 14 years in prison. The judge described the operation as a “highly dangerous” drug lab that posed significant risks to the community.
Detective Chief Inspector Katie Smith of Northumbria Police said: “The process of creating cannabis shatter and other drugs in this way is exceptionally dangerous. The truly devastating impact of this case should be enough to make anyone doing this think again.”
Authorities have urged the public to report any suspicious activity involving large quantities of butane canisters or unusual equipment, emphasizing the severe risks associated with illegal drug production.
