Drug dealer hid cocaine and heroin wraps in his trousers
A DRUG dealer has been jailed after police found cocaine and heroin hidden in his trousers.
Officers searched Jamie McCardle after spotting him talking to a known drug user in Bangor.
The 26-year-old, who was found to have 54 individual wraps of crack cocaine and heroin, was sentenced to four and a half years behind bars after admitting possessing drugs with intent to supply.
Judge Rhys Rowlands told him at Caernarfon Crown Court: “You were arrested as a result of good police work. You are a street level dealer who travelled from Liverpool to supply illegal drugs.
“Everyone involved in illegal drugs knows what happens if they are caught. That is a risk you chose and must now take the consequences.”
Jo Maxwell, prosecuting, said officers were on plain clothes patrol on Bangor High Street on January 17 last year when they spotted McCardle speaking to another man.
“The man was a known drug user and the officers approached both men,” said Mr Maxwell. “There was a strong smell of cannabis about the defendant and he was told he would be searched.
“He tried to walk away but was detained and appeared nervous and agitated. Asked why he was in the Bangor area, he told officers he wanted to meet some Welsh girls.”
Officers found nothing initially but at Bangor police station a packet of white powder was found in McCardle’s coat pocket.
A larger packet was found when he took his trousers off and this was found to contain the individual wraps valued at about £550.
Paul Abrahams, defending, said McCardle, of Hollingbourne Road, Liverpool, had a long history of using controlled drugs.
“His consumption has led to his problems today. He fell into debt and was put under pressure to engage in supply activity. He was given drugs and instructions and found himself in Bangor.”
Mr Abrahams added McCardle was very nervous and had smoked cannabis on the day of his arrest in an attempt to calm his nerves.
Det Sgt Andy Davies, of North Wales Police, welcomed the sentence and said McCardle’s imprisonment “will bring a degree of relief to many”.
He added: “His sentence is also a message to others thinking of bringing drugs into our towns and villages, that with the support of the Crown Prosecution Service we will continue our relentless pursuit of those who cause the most serious harm.
“McCardle is the latest conviction, more will follow. There is no hiding place.”
Inspector Owain Llewellyn, District Inspector for North Gwynedd, added: “Today’s conviction is reward for a combination of good police work and the continued help and support we are receiving from our communities.
“Intelligence used by police has resulted in almost 60 arrests in Môn and Gwynedd under Operation Rattle since last January and the seizure of drugs, weapons and other illegal materials.
“Ten individuals have so far been convicted under this operation.”