Suspended jail sentence for Limavady man who ordered prescription drugs from India

A Limavady man who ordered prescription drugs from India was caught after UK Border Force intercepted the package, a court has heard.

Keating McKenzie, of Moyne Walk, appeared before Limavady Magistrates' Court, sitting in Coleraine, earlier today.

The 25 year-old was convicted of four charges – importing a controlled drug, possession of a class B drug and two counts of possession of class C drugs.

The court heard that police received a report on May 8 from UK Border Force regarding a package containing class C drugs which had been transiting from India to McKenzie's home in Limavady.

On June 26, police were granted a warrant to search McKenzie's property where they located Zoplicone and Pregabalin tablets along with a small amount of herbal cannabis.

During interview, McKenzie made full admissions and claimed the tablets were for himself as he was 'self medicating'.

A barrister for McKenzie described his client as 'a vulnerable young man' and stated that he has admitted he has 'had difficulties with drugs but they are getting better'.

The barrister said he had advised McKenzie to see his GP to ask if they will prescribe him the same medication rather than having to order it from India.

District Judge Peter King ordered that the drugs be destroyed before sentencing McKenzie to seven months in prison, which he suspended for 18 months.

“This is a case you were always going to be detected in,” said Judge King, adding: “this is not the way to get drugs. I would urge you to think about that before going down that road again.”