PSNI confirm commitment to pursuing drug dealers following sentencing of Derry crime gang leader

At Derry Crown Court today (Thursday 16 March), 52-year-old Patrick Pearse O’Connor was sentenced.

O’Connor was sentenced to 11 years’ imprisonment in total, serving half in custody and half on licence.

Following the judgement, Detective Inspector McKenna said: “O’Connor was arrested as part of Operation Sonny which began in 2016 and was a pro-active Organised Crime investigation against those involved in the importation and distribution of illegal controlled drugs in Northern Ireland, and also for offences detected as part of an operation investigating criminal activity using Enchrochat.

“The Police Service of Northern Ireland is committed to both preventing dangerous drugs from ending up in local communities and pursuing those intent on destroying lives through the supply of illicit drugs.

“Drug dealers seek to make profit at the expense of causing harm and loss to local families in the city. 

"They set out to ruin the communities that they operate in and they do not care about the damage that they cause, preying on the most vulnerable members of their communities.

“We will continue to robustly and proactively pursue those who are intent on damaging our communities by supplying illegal drugs and the communities most damaged by the scourge of drugs support our ongoing efforts.

Derry Crown Court: North-west 'organised crime gang' leader jailed for 11 years

Six other members of the gang received suspended sentences ranging from 12 months to three years

"I would appeal for anyone with information regarding the supply of illegal drugs to contact police on 101 or submit a report online using our non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/ makeareport/.

"Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.”