Heroin courier jailed for four years

Date published: 24/06/2009

A drug courier from Chadderton who tried to make quick money by carrying heroin was jailed for 41/2 years in Dundee.

Martin Edward James (27), of Old Lane, appeared at the city’s Sheriff Court and admitted being concerned in the supply of heroin throughout the UK and in Dundee between November 1, 2008, and January this year.

At an earlier hearing, police said they found heroin with an estimated street value of £50,000 in a car.

Sheriff Richard Davidson said James had no record and became involved because he saw it as an opportunity for quick money as he was out of work at the time.

Sheriff Davidson noted that James had been found in possession of heroin with a value of almost £50,000.

The sheriff said James would have been considered ideal by professional criminals using him to import heroin.

James admitted carrying drugs on a fairly regular basis.

Sheriff Davidson told James: “I hope this sentence sends out a message to anyone else in your neck of the woods who might be tempted to pick up where you left off.”

In another case, a Liverpool man admitted taking heroin and cocaine to Dundee.

He and a woman will be sentenced later