During a police chase the 31-year-old threw away a crisp packet which contained £7,370
A “courier and custodian” of cannabis and cash has been handed a 20-month sentence for charges arising from a “very significant” drugs seizure in Belfast.
Kwok Kai Chen, from Virginia Street in Belfast, was acting “on behalf of an organised crime gang” when he was arrested in September 2024.
The 31-year old, who is an illegal immigrant, appeared at Belfast Crown Court where his 20-month sentence was divided equally between custody and licence.
Due to time already served in prison, Chen is due for release and will be liable for deportation.
The court heard that on September 24 last year, police officers observed Chen handing over a shopping bag containing two vacuum-sealed bags filled with 1.98 kilograms of cannabis to a male in Elm Street.
This second male then handed Chen two bundles of cash, which Chen placed inside a purple multi-pack of crisps.
Chen was chased by police to Maryville Street, and during the pursuit, he discarded the crisp bag under a parked car, which was retrieved by police and which contained £7,370.
He was found to be in possession of a key to a nearby property and when the premises were searched, a further 12.5 kilograms of cannabis was located along with £4,370 in cash.
Following his arrest, Chen told police he was acting under pressure and had been forced to carry out drug-related activities – but he refused to provide access to his phone.
He subsequently pleaded guilty to possessing a Class B drug with intent to supply and possessing criminal property.
These charges, Judge Patricia Smyth said, covered the amount of cannabis and cash seized.
The Belfast Recorder noted that Chen had a clear criminal record, came from a poor family in China who paid a “significant amount of money” for him to search for work in Europe and is now an illegal immigrant in the UK with “no trapping of work.”
She added that due to Chen’s status, she accepted he was vulnerable to exploitation.
Branding Chen’s role as a “courier and custodian of cannabis and cash on behalf of an organised crime gang”, Judge Smyth said it was likely he played “a low-level role” in the enterprise.
As she sentenced Chen, Judge Smyth spoke of the “very significant” amount of cannabis involved and said: “Those who supply drugs or play any part in the drugs trade will serve an immediate custodial sentence.”
The case concluded when the Judge granted a Destruction Order for all the drugs seized.
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