Man sentenced in relation to East Belfast UVF linked drugs supply

A man has been sentenced for a drugs-related offence, as a result of an investigation into drugs supply linked to the East Belfast UVF.

The Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) is on the list of proscribed groups linked to Northern Ireland related terrorism.

John McIver was convicted of possession of a Class B controlled drug with intent to supply on Wednesday 4th October.

He was given an 18-month sentence at Belfast Crown Court.

Detective Sergeant Marks from the Police Service's Organised Crime Branch said: “On Thursday, 15th September 2022 police stopped a suspicious vehicle in the Rosneath Gardens area of Dundonald. Mr McIver was the driver and only occupant of the car.

“The vehicle was searched and a holdall was located in the boot which contained suspected herbal cannabis with a street value of approximately £30,000.

“Mr McIver had entered a previous guilty plea to the offence on Friday, 30th June and was handed down an 18-month sentence today in court.

“He has been ordered to serve half of his sentence in custody and the remaining nine months on licence.

“I hope that this investigation and the fact that Mr McIver has been brought before the court offers reassurance that we, along with partner organisations, remain committed to disrupting the activities of those involved with illegal drugs.

“Those who deal in drugs remain a priority for the Paramilitary Crime Task Force (PCTF) and we will continue to robustly and proactively pursue those who are intent on damaging our communities by supplying illegal drugs."

Image: Albert Bridge / The Laganside Courts, Belfast via Wikimedia Commons