“Trusted employee” jailed in drug dealing operation

A man described in court as a “trusted associate” in a drug supply operation has been jailed for 14 months.

Stephen Mooney, of Forest Park in Londonderry, will spend the same time on license after admitting possessing Class B drugs with intent to supply in May 2023.

The 39-year-old also pleaded guilty to confiscating criminal property totaling £45,000 in cash on two dates in March and May 2023.

Londonderry Crown Court was told that on May 17, 2023, police observed a drug transfer where a courier brought cannabis and Mooney gave him money.

Police arrested both men at the scene and seized drugs and £17,660 in cash.

In a separate incident, the court was told £29,355 cash was found in a toolbox in a vehicle driven by Mooney.

Judge Neil Rafferty KC said Mooney was “a trusted partner” to a medicines supplier and had “played a significant role in the commercial supply of Class B drugs”.

He said Mooney waived his right to a pre-sentence report when he realized a prison sentence was inevitable.