Five men from Belfast were sentenced today, Thursday 19th December, at Laganside Crown Court, for a number of drugs offences.
Mark Magee, 35, was sentenced to 25 months, with half to be served on licence,  for being concerned in the supply of Class A controlled drugs, whilst Colin Baine, 40, was sentenced to 10 months imprisonment, suspended for two years, for possessing criminal property and possession of Class A controlled drug with intent to supply.
George McMaster, 29, was sentenced to 13 months imprisonment, with half to be served on licence, for being concerned in the supply of Class A controlled drugs, and 29-year-old Rodney Gourley was sentenced to four months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, for being concerned in the supply of Class B controlled drugs.
Detective Inspector MacCionáoith, from the Police Service’s Organised Crime Branch, said: “In the early hours of 20th August, 2022, officers conducting routine patrols in the Hillsborough Gardens area of Belfast stopped and searched a vehicle with four men on board.
“Cash and a quantity of cocaine were located, and the men were subsequently arrested. Following examination of the men’s phones, it was determined that they were all involved in drug dealing offences.”
Detective Inspector MacCionáoith continued: “I hope that the investigation and today’s sentencing demonstrates how we, along with our partner organisations, remain committed to disrupting the activities of those involved with illegal drugs. This criminal gang were involved in a major drugs operation, within which they participated in the organised exploitation of vulnerable groups within our community for their own financial gain. 
“We’re grateful to the public for their continued support and would ask anyone with information, or concerns, to contact us on 101.”