Two Men Sentenced to Prison for Drug Supply in Shetland

Prison sentences have been handed down to two individuals responsible for transporting cocaine and cannabis, with an estimated street value exceeding £100,000, into Shetland. Ross Bradley, aged 37, and Connor McNeil, aged 28, pleaded guilty to charges related to drug supply activities at the ferry terminals in Aberdeen and Lerwick during January. Sheriff Ian Cruickshank stated that “such actions would not be tolerated.” Bradley, residing in Bishopbriggs, East Dunbartonshire, received a prison term of two years and six months, while McNeill, from Clydebank, West Dunbartonshire, was given a sentence of two years and three months. Lerwick Sheriff Court was informed that law enforcement officers, acting on intelligence, intercepted the two men as they disembarked the ferry on the morning of 19 January. Police personnel detected an “overpowering smell of cannabis” emanating from the vehicle. During questioning, Bradley asserted that their purpose in Shetland was solely for a night out. Authorities confiscated 124 grams of cocaine, which had the potential to fetch approximately £15,000 if divided and sold illicitly. Additionally, nearly 7 kilograms of cannabis, valued at around £42,000 if sold in large quantities, was recovered. The court was informed that the total illicit substances could have generated up to £103,740 if distributed for street sale. It was revealed in court that both individuals participated in the drug operation with the intention of settling outstanding debts. Judith Reid, McNeil’s defence agent, stated that he made the “extremely foolish decision” to accept the chance to transport drugs to Shetland. The solicitor characterized the choice as a “fight or flight decision,” though she subsequently remarked that it was the “worst decision he will ever make.” Tommy Allan, the defence agent representing Bradley, indicated that the monetary value of the drugs had surprised his client. Allan described the repercussions as “devastating” and confirmed that Bradley had since separated from his partner. Sheriff Cruickshank commented that a “fair and proportionate sentence” was necessary. He further stated that punishment for the pair was required, and that a clear message must be conveyed that “this will not be tolerated.” Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.