Man Sentenced For £2m Cannabis Seizure

A 52-year-old man has been sentenced to prison following the seizure of a significant quantity of cannabis in 2018. Chang Mang Wang was handed a two-year and three-month sentence at Belfast Crown Court for possession and conspiracy to supply Class B controlled drugs, as well as a two-year sentence for immigration offences.

The sentencing comes after Wang pleaded guilty to the charges earlier this month. The cannabis seized, with an estimated street value of over £2 million, was a major blow to drug trafficking activities in the area.

Detective Inspector Kelly emphasised the consequences of engaging in drug-related crimes. "Today's sentencing should act as a deterrent for those tempted to engage in this type of destructive criminality. It may seem like a quick and easy way to make money, however, the impact on the community and on you can be catastrophic." DI Kelly continued: "On Thursday 29th November 2018, police observed the defendant and another unloading bags from the boot of a car into a premises at the Wellesley Avenue area Belfast. The males were stopped and searched during the proactive policing operation, with the bags discovered containing cannabis. A search was conducted of the house in the area and further drugs were found in a room.  In total, Class B drugs with a potential street value of £1.7 million pounds were located, with approximately £400,000 worth of Class B controlled drugs seized in a follow-up search in the east of the city. Three people had been previously sentenced in relation to this investigation.

"The abuse of drugs puts a strain on families dealing with addiction issues, as well as colleagues within the health service. This type of criminality has all the hallmarks of an organised criminal gang. I have no doubt these drugs would have ended up in the hands of local gangs, who are only seeking to line their own pockets and live a luxurious lifestyle at the cost of the community they live within. Drug dealers don't care about their communities and they use violence and intimidation to maintain their control. Money gained from cannabis can be used by organised crime gangs to fund other criminality they are involved in.

"We will continue to investigate those who profit from the harm caused by illegal drugs. I would appeal to the public to contact police if they have any concerns or information regarding drugs in their area by calling 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."