A Derry man charged with possession and intent to supply herbal cannabis has admitted to receiving ‘almost £200,000’ worth of the drug over the last two years.
Ryan McFadden, 23, whose address can’t be named for legal reasons, was charged with possession and intent to supply a class B drug at Derry Magistrates Court today.
The defendant was present at his address last Friday, when 185 grams of herbal cannabis with an estimated street value of £3,700 was found by police.
In addition, a set of scales, empty plastic ‘deal bags’, and numerous messages were discovered on his mobile phone related to the selling and supplying of drugs.
All of this was found locked in his bedroom.
When questioned by police he made a full admission which included saying he had an addiction to the cannabis and had received around £200,000 worth of the drug from suppliers in the past two years. He also admitted having and intending to supply the drug.
The police constable objected to bail believing McFadden was likely to reoffend. They said he was in debt of around £2,000 and may continue his involvement to pay back the money.
Police also believed his life may be in danger ‘considering where he lives’.
Defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott explained that his client has an addiction to cannabis with the defendant saying he can’t ‘properly function without smoking cannabis in the morning’.
He said the defendant wanted to stop his behaviour, was genuinely remorseful, and wanted to seek help.
Police were said to have been sympathetic to the defendant’s circumstances and had referred him to the local HURT charity.
District Judge Barney McElholm said he was prepared to admit him to bail as he was a very low level operative, and believed there were more serious dealers who make use of people in such a way.
Conditions of bail included having no mobile phone, he must not be in possession of non-prescription drugs, a curfew of 8pm-8am and must engage fully with HURT.
McFadden was released on his own bail of £750 to appear before the court again on February 22.
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