Three people appeared before Belfast Crown Court today, Wednesday 24th September, to be sentenced in relation to an investigation by the Police Service of Northern Ireland's Serious Crime Branch into suspected drug criminality linked to the New IRA.

Ciaran McAuley, aged 27, was sentenced to 37 months, equally split between custody and licence for various drug related offences including possession of a Class B controlled drug with intent to supply, being concerned in the supply of a Class B controlled drug, concealing criminal property and possession of a Class B controlled drug. 

27-year-old Brendan Glacken was sentenced to 30 months equally split between custody and licence for possession of a Class B controlled drug with intent to supply, being concerned in the supply of a Class B controlled drug and possession of a Class A controlled drug.

Along with this, 28-year-old Caoimhe McAuley was sentenced to 24 months, suspended for 2 years for possession of a Class B controlled drug, assisting an offence and possession of fireworks without a licence.

Detective Chief Inspector McCallum, said: "In June 2023, a number of searches were conducted at properties and vehicles linked to the defendants in West Belfast and Dunmurry as part of a proactive investigation.

"A quantity of drugs with a street value of approximately £8,000, drug paraphernalia and mobile phones were seized. 

"An extensive examination of messages on devices attributed to the defendants revealed the involvement in a vast number of exchanges regarding drugs and methods to pay for drugs.

“Information was also discovered relating to the transporting of drugs into Northern Ireland on a wholesale level.

“Further investigation into the financial accounts of Ciaran McAuley revealed criminal transactions related to the supply of drugs, of approximately £200,000 over an 18 month period

"We wish to remind the public that officers are committed to tackling criminality related to drugs in our communities and I encourage anyone with information that could assist in our investigations to contact us on the non-emergency number 101."

You can submit a report online using our non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/

Alternatively, you can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/