Three people in their 20s, two men and a woman, were sentenced at Belfast Crown Court on Wednesday
Three people in their 20s have been sentenced for a series of drug offences linked to the New IRA.
Police say the sentences followed a number of searches at properties and vehicles in West Belfast and Dunmurry in June 2023.
Two men, both aged 27, were given jail terms while a woman, aged 28, was handed a suspended sentence.
All three appeared before Belfast Crown Court on Wednesday for sentencing, in relation to what the PSNI has described as an investigation by the Serious Crime Branch into “suspected drug criminality linked to the New IRA”.
Ciaran McAuley, a 27-year-old with an address at Rinnalea Way, 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 with an address at Milfort Mews 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 of Binian Drive 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.”
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