Trusted drug emissary jailed for 18 months at Derry Crown Court

A man who was described as 'more a trusted emissary than a simple courier' in a drugs operation has been jailed for 18 months at Derry Crown Court.

Ryan James Wright (33) of Kinsale Park in Derry admitted a series of drug charges including being concerned in the supply of cocaine on January 8 2022.

He also admitted a series of possessing drugs charges including class A and B on dates in 2022.

Judge Neil Rafferty said that a man described by police as 'a mover and shaker' in the retail drugs trade was arrested and his phone was seized.

Messages were found between this an and the defendant in relation to drugs. 

A search was carried out at Wright's address and a quantity of cocaine and cannabis was found but this was described as 'for personal use'.

The court heard that Wright was instructed by the other man to go to a location and weigh out 250 grammes of cocaine and deliver it to an address and bring the money back to the main man. 

Judge Rafferty said that this was 'a necessary function of drugs being moved'.

He said he felt that Wright was more than courier as he knew where the drugs were and was trusted to weigh it out and deliver them. 

The court heard that Wright had 'accumulated debts' due to his drug habit and offered a way to pay off the debts by delivering drugs at £600 a delivery.

Judge Rafferty said that he had 'little doubt the defendant was a trusted person in doing what he was doing'.

He imposed a sentence of 18 months in prison with half to be served in custody and half on licence. 

The Recorder said that there had to be a prison sentence as there was 'a significant drug problem in the city and the message must be clear that anyone who deals in drugs must expect a custodial sentence'.