Prison for mephedrone trafficker

7 Nov 2012 11:52 AM

A County Antrim man has been sentenced to 3 years and six months in prison for his part in trafficking mephedrone into the UK. Over an 18 month period, Richard Smyth, 28, from Antrim, imported 26kg of the class B drug from China via international parcel service.

The SOCA investigation began in September 2011 after intelligence showed Smyth was importing mephedrone into the UK for forward distribution. In an attempt to disguise his illegal activity, Smyth imported the drug in 1kg and 2kg parcels hidden in boxes labelled “metal corrosion inhibitors.”

When Smyth was arrested in October, SOCA officers seized 12kg of mephedrone; two computers, seven mobile phones; boxes of silver foil and £5,000 in cash.

Sentencing on 5 November at Belfast Crown Court, HH Judge Philpott issued a destruction order for the drugs seized and also granted a Forfeiture Order for the cash recovered.