Man described as ‘trusted associate’ in drug supply operation jailed

An individual identified in court proceedings as “a trusted associate” within a drug supply network has been handed a 14-month prison sentence. Stephen Mooney, residing at Forest Park in Londonderry, is also set to serve an equivalent period on licence following his admission of possessing class B drugs with the intention to distribute them in May 2023. The 39-year-old further confessed to charges of possessing criminal property, specifically £45,000 in cash, on two separate occasions in March and May 2023. During proceedings at Londonderry Crown Court, it was revealed that law enforcement officers witnessed a drug exchange on 17 May 2023, where a courier delivered cannabis and Mooney provided payment. Authorities apprehended both individuals at that location, seizing drugs and £17,660 in currency. In connection with a distinct event, the court heard that £29,355 in cash was discovered inside a tool box within a vehicle operated by Mooney. Judge Neil Rafferty KC stated that Mooney functioned as “a trusted associate” of a drug supplier and “played a significant role in the commercial supply of class B drugs”. The judge noted that Mooney had relinquished his entitlement to a pre-sentence report, acknowledging the certainty of a custodial sentence. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external sites. Details concerning our external linking policy are available.