Man Sentenced For 19 Months After Pleading Guilty To Drugs Offences

A 28-year-old man has been sentenced to 19 months in prison after admitting to a number of drugs offences.

George Campbell pleaded guilty at Londonderry Crown Court to possessing a Class B controlled drug with intent to supply (herbal cannabis), possessing a Class A controlled drug (cocaine) and two counts of possessing criminal property (cash and jewellery).

He was given a 38-month sentence; 19 months to be served in prison and 19 months on licence.

As part of an investigation into drugs and money laundering in the Derry and Armagh area detectives from the PSNI's Organised Crime Unit carried out a search of Mr Campbell's home on Thursday, 13 April last year.

During the search three bin bags, each containing herbal cannabis, were found hidden in a training dummy in the back yard of the property. Police also found nine smaller bags of herbal cannabis, £1,280 in cash and a number of gold items of jewellery and a small quantity of cocaine inside the house. The drugs are believed to have a street value of around £20,000.

So far, 19 people have been charged to court in connection with this investigation. Seven have been sentenced and four others have pleaded guilty and await sentencing.

Detective Inspector Tom McClure, from the PSNI's Organised Crime Unit, said: "George Campbell has now been convicted for the part he has played in respect of an organised crime gang involved in drugs supply and money laundering in the Derry/Londonderry and Armagh areas.

"I would ask anyone who has any information about the use or supply of illegal drugs to contact police on the non-emergency number 101. Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime."

Image: Police found cannabis hidden inside a training dummy.

(LM/MH)