A Keady man found in possession of a handgun, 2.5kg of cocaine and almost £200,000 in cash has today been sentenced to nine years behind bars.
David Agnew, 41, of Carbry Heights, was convicted by a jury of nine women and three men at Newry Crown Court last month and was today (Tuesday) handed his fate.
Agnew, who had pleaded not guilty to ten charges against, was convicted on all counts, following an intensive three-day trial.
Court heard evidence from 20 prosecution witnesses over three days in relation to the police raid on his home on February 10, 2017.
It was previously heard how police officers entered Agnew’s house in Keady with a warrant before asking him if there was anything they needed to know about, to which he replied “you’ll have to find it”.
During the search, officers found €150,000 in a footstool in the living room.
They also found approximately £40,000 sterling wrapped in bundles of £1,000 in a bedroom.
In the roof-space, 2.5kg of cocaine was discovered, alongside a handgun, bullets and a silencer.
Following today’s sentencing, Detective Inspector Gawley from PSNI’s Organised Crime Unit said: “I welcome today’s sentencing of David Agnew.
“I hope this acts as a deterrent and sends a clear message that we will continue to aggressively and proactively pursue those who are intent on damaging our communities by supplying illegal drugs.
“I am pleased that we have prevented a significant amount of cocaine from being supplied within our communities and that a dangerous weapon has been taken off the streets.
“Drug dealers set out to make money for their own personal gain and do not care about the damage caused to their local communities.
“I would ask anyone who has any information about the use of illegal drugs to contact police on the non-emergency number 101. Alternatively, if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Agnew received a total of nine years imprisonment; half of which to be served in custody and half to be served on licence.
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