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Police welcome sentence of man after drugs hidden in garden statue intercepted

UK Border Force intercepted a parcel containing Class A drugs, with an estimated street value of at least £120,000, at a house in Rathfriland

Police have welcomed the sentence handed down to a man who was arrested after police intercepted a package containing drugs in Rathfriland.

Andrew Dodds, appeared before Newry Crown Court on Wednesday.

He had pleaded guilty to conspiring to fraudulently import a Class A controlled drug and attempted possession of a Class A controlled drug with intent to supply.

Twenty-nine-year-old Dodds was sentenced to 27 months’ in prison, suspended for two years.

Detective Inspector McCamley said: “On 7 June 2021, colleagues from UK Border Force intercepted a parcel containing Class A drugs, with an estimated street value of at least £120,000.

“The package, which was hidden inside an ornamental garden statue, was sent from the Netherlands to an address in Rathfriland.

“Officers later carried out a search of the County Down property, and the defendant was subsequently arrested.

“Working with our partners, we are committed to tackling the supply, use and inevitable harm caused by illegal drugs.

“We’re grateful for the support of local people, and I would ask anyone with information to contact detectives on 101.”

Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

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