Drug dealer jailed for three months
A man has been jailed for three months while another has been warned to expect a prison sentence after being snared by an undercover police drugs operation.
Ralph Halcrow, 39, of Brind, Cunningsburgh, was handed the custodial sentence after supplying heroin and diazepam in a lane off Lerwick’s Commercial Street in September.
Halcrow was rumbled by the same undercover sting which resulted in the arrest of Lerwick man John Smith, 50, of Lovers Loan.
He pleaded guilty to supplying four £20 wraps of heroin between 12th and 16th September in Holmsgarth Brae. Procurator fiscal Duncan MacKenzie said it was “purely a commercial enterprise”.
Sheriff Philip Mann ordered background reports, but he warned Smith to expect a prison term.
“I have to say, for an offence of this nature, the thing that’s uppermost in my mind is a custodial sentence.
“That’s the most likely outcome, but a lot will depend on what’s said in the report.”
The case will call again on 9th January. Smith was released on bail.
Police Scotland said the sentence handed to Halcrow sent a message that drug dealing would not be tolerated.
Detective Chief Inspector Colin Gall, from the Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism Unit (OCCTU), which carried out the undercover operation, said: “We are committed to dealing with organised criminals within our communities throughout Scotland. Drug dealers should be in no doubt that in whatever part of Scotland they operate then Police Scotland is in a position to target their illegal activities.
“Today’s sentencing acts as a deterrent to those who are tempted to become involved in dealing drugs, particularly within Highlands and Islands.
‘‘Drug dealers should know that Police Scotland will not allow their illegal actions to thrive. They might attempt to profit on the desperation of others and wreak misery in our communities in the process, but we will target them and remove the dealers and their poison from the communities we support.”
He added that OCCTU intended to make Scottish streets “inhospitable places” for drug dealers to exist “because they are not welcome”.
He urged anyone with information about drus supple to contact the force on 101, or anonymously via the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
