Samuel McDade, 20, from Altcar Court in East Belfast, has been sentenced to 10 months in prison after admitting to being involved in the supply of Class A drugs, including cocaine, Ecstasy tablets, and LSD. McDade was found to have been operating a drug distribution network under the alias “The Real Arctic.”
Police initially searched McDade’s home on June 15, 2022, for an unrelated matter and seized two mobile phones. Forensic examination revealed significant evidence of drug dealing, with McDade making multiple agreements to supply drugs and promoting his products in several WhatsApp groups.
McDade’s phones showed messages detailing his business, with one text revealing a large-scale order for 100,000 Ecstasy pills. On another occasion, he arranged a delivery to Magherafelt, Co. Derry. Additionally, McDade frequently referred to a “driver” who delivered the drugs for him.
Despite denying his involvement when questioned by police, McDade had a history of drug-related convictions, including a four-month sentence in September 2021 for supplying cocaine. Judge Mark Reel described McDade as running a “substantial small business” in the drug trade and stated that his actions were driven by profit.
McDade will also serve ten months on supervised license following his release from prison.
