Gang member jailed for drugs smuggling operation

Warren Martin (38), of Windsor Terrace, Coagh, was described by Judge David McFarland as a “private” in the operation which involved six other men.

Martin was sentenced to 13 months with half of the term being custodial.

The others from Belfast; Ballymena; and Tandragee got varying terms of imprisonment.

They were arrested after separate police operations in Belfast in 2010. Subsequent searches uncovered cannabis, cocaine and tablets which police said were worth £2.5m.

The searches took place at Duncrue Link in October 2010 and Apollo Road in December of that year.The bulk of the haul was cannabisbut a 1kg of cocaine and a sizeable sum of money was also seized.