TWO north Belfast men have been jailed for their part in a "well organised'' cocaine and cannabis drug dealing operation.
Nicholas Mackle snr (60), of Fortwilliam Park, was jailed for two and a half years after he pleaded guilty to possession of the drugs with intent to supply and possessing a firearm and ammunition in suspicious circumstances.
Philip Hugh Mitchell (35), of Beechwood Avenue, Newtownabbey, pleaded guilty to a single charge of possessing cocaine with intent to supply and was jailed for 16 months. He was ordered to serve a further 16 months on licence.
Nicholas Mackle jnr (40), of Coolymoyne Park, was handed a 12 month sentence suspended for two years after he pleaded guilty to cultivating cannabis.
Passing sentence at Belfast Crown Court, Judge Geoffrey Miller QC told Mackle snr that he would serve a further three years on licence to allow to him take part in "drug and alcohol programmes'' to deal with his addictions.
The judge said that an aggravating factor in the father of six's case was the possession of a "converted sub-machine gun''.
Judge Miller said although the gun was in a "poor condition'', the weapon remained "dangerous'' and could "cause serious harm''.
The judge said Mitchell, who runs a tanning business, had told probation that he had an addiction to drink and drugs and got involved in the operation to pay off a "drug debt''.
Prosecution lawyer Natalie Pinkerton had told the court that on April 1, 2015, police searched several addresses in north Belfast and recovered a "significant'' quantity of Class A cocaine and Class B cannabis and amphetamine or 'speed' drugs along with a firearms and ammunition.
Mitchell and Mackle snr were found at an address in Midlands Close where police recovered a quantity of cocaine, which had the potential street value of more than £110,000.
At a nearby house in Midland Crescent, a police search found two cocaine presses. Officers also discovered 18 plants in an upstairs cannabis factory with a potential street value of £15,000.
Judge Miller ordered the destruction of all the drugs and drug related paraphernalia along with the firearm and ammunition.
Confiscation proceedings against the Mackles was adjourned until next month.
