Court: Police welcome jail term imposed

Richard Callaghan (42) today, Monday, June 15, received a two-year and eight-month sentence of imprisonment after he appeared before Londonderry Crown Court on charges of being concerned in the supply of a Class A and Class B Drugs.

The Judge ordered that he serve one year and four months behind bars and a further one year and four months on licence.

The PSNI said Callaghan was arrested at Marlborough Road, Londonderry, on June 13.

The arrest followed the search of a green Audi car that the defendant had been travelling in and also a wheelie bin that was in the vicinity of the car. The court heard Class A and class B drugs with a value of approximately £130,000 were recovered by officers.

Welcoming the sentencing, Detective Inspector Tom McClure, from PSNI Reactive and Organised Crime Branch, said: “This sentence is the result of a substantial proactive investigation. Others have yet to come before the courts but the message from this sentence is clear: all those involved in the supply chain of large quantities of controlled drugs can expect to go to prison when they are caught.

“Police will work to ensure Northern Ireland remains a hostile environment for those who seek to benefit in any way from peddling the misery of drugs.

“I would ask that anyone with information relating to the use or supply of illegal drugs should contact police on 101.”

Alternatively reports can be made anonymously through independent charity Crimestoppers by ringing 0800 555 111.