Enniskillen Courthouse
A 21-year-old would-be drug dealer who imported thousands of pounds of illegal prescription drugs from Pakistan has been given a six month deferred sentence.
William Robert Alexander Miller of Cherry Walk, Chanterhill, Enniskillen, pleaded guilty to a litany of drug offences including importing a controlled drug, attempted possession of a controlled C drug, attempted possession of a class C drug with intent to supply and attempting to import a controlled drug.
The drugs – all of which were diazepam – were discovered after postal staff in England received a suspicious package from Pakistan.
The court heard that the package was discovered on August 20, 2012, and was addressed to the defendant in Coleshill in Enniskillen where he had been renting a property that year.
Approximately 3,500 diazepam tablets were found in the package which has a street value of around £3,000.
Subsequent searches for the student found that he was bailed to his mother’s address which was approximately 50 yards away from his postal address that he still had access to.
Police officers made enquiries with the Western Union where they discovered that five transactions had been made by the defendant to Pakistan however the transactions were unknown.
A number of items were seized at his mother’s house including £200 in cash, two sets of scales and two mobile phones and computers which police believed were used to carry out the transactions.
He was arrested for a number of offences over the discoveries.
The court heard that during police interview Miller had denied all allegations including making any transactions with the Western Union.
A number of character references were handed in on behalf of the accused who stood in the dock throughout the proceedings.
Defence solicitor Paddy Hunt said that he accepted that they were serious offences and accepted responsibility at the first opportunity.
Mr Hunt said that the offences occurred between June 2009 and June 2012 but that he has not come to the attention of police since this.
He added: “The defendant did have a drug habit with prescription and non-prescription drugs. He foolishly thought this would be a wise decision to fund his habit.
Judge Broderick described the matters as “very serious” saying that they carry a custodial sentence.
He added: “This offence occurred in November 2012 and he appears to be making good progress at South West College. I will defer this case until June 2014 to check on his progress and that he hasn’t reoffended.
“The fact that this offence occurred so long ago and that you haven’t reoffended I will give you the opportunity to prove that to me. I will expect to see a glowing report but expect to go to prison if it isn’t.”
To read more.. Subscribe to current edition
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere