A 22-year-old man was today, Friday 10th May, sentenced at Laganside Crown Court in relation to a number of drugs offences.
Ruairi McKevitt was sentenced to two years for possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply (12 months in prison and 12 months on licence), 18 months for possession of Class B drugs with intent to supply (nine months in prison and nine months on licence), and 12 months for possession of criminal property (six months in prison and six months on licence). All sentences are to run concurrently.
Constable O’Reilly from Belfast District Support Team said: “On Tuesday September 19th, 2022, officers were on patrol in the Dublin Road area of Belfast city centre when they observed what they believed to be a drug deal taking place at the corner of Donegall Pass and Shaftesbury Square. One of the men involved, McKevitt, made off into Donegall Pass upon seeing police. He was apprehended by officers and following a search, a quantity of cocaine was located on his person. Police seized the drugs, together with cash and mobile phones. Following a further search of McKevitt’s home, an additional quantity of Class A drugs together with drug-related paraphernalia and more cash.”
Constable O’Reilly continued: “Today’s sentencing is part of our ongoing commitment to bring those involved in the supply of drugs before the courts. Drug dealers seek to make profit at the expense of causing harm and loss to families in the city. They set out to ruin the communities that they operate in and they do not care about the damage that they cause, preying on the most vulnerable members of their communities. We will continue to robustly and proactively pursue those who are intent on damaging our communities by supplying illegal drugs and the communities most damaged by the scourge of drugs support our ongoing efforts.
“I would appeal for anyone with information regarding the supply of illegal drugs to contact police on 101 or submit a report online using our non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/. 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.”