The father of a man who killed himself after becoming addicted to cocaine, is calling for automatic custodial sentences for those caught dealing the drug. Last month, the National Crime Agency made thelargest seizure of cocaine in Northern Ireland at Belfast Port. Police have warned that organised crime gangs are "taking advantage" of the Common Travel Area, which allows free movement of goods between the UK and the Republic of Ireland. Tom McGrath's 22-year-old son Matthew had been using cocaine for several years when he was found dead in the garage of his mother's home in County Armagh in February 2024. Speaking toBBC Radio Ulster's Good Morning Ulster programme, Mc McGrath said his son's mood could change greatly from "hyper" to "very emotional". "Many a time he would have lain on my shoulder, crying and saying: 'I can't get off that, I can't get off that.' "It wasn't a cry for help… he'd just had enough," he said. Mr McGrath asked the priest at Matthew's funeral to talk about the dangers of cocaine and his son's own battle with drugs. Mr McGrath said he is particularly concerned that many people who deal drugs do not end up serving jail time. He said: "How many times do you see them going before the courts and getting custodial sentences? "The dealers and suppliers aren't being prosecuted properly." In the UK, cocaine is classified as a Class A drug. Class A drugs are considered to be the most harmful and attract the most serious fines and punishments. In April, six men, who the PSNI said were involved in organised crime, were given suspended sentences despite being linked to seizures of cocaine worth hundreds of thousands of pounds. However, the police would not say whether they felt that was an appropriate deterrent. Det Supt Avine Kelly, from the PSNI's organised crime branch, said that she could not comment on sentencing. "Judiciary have sentencing guidelines that they work to and that is not a matter for policing," she said. "I suppose the deterrent from a policing perspective is that we are actively seeking to locate, arrest, charge and bring drug dealers before the courts." The maximum sentences for intent to supply drugs are: The Lady Chief Justice's office said in calculating a sentence for any offence a judge will consider all evidence as well as "the relevant statute and case law". They said that the judge would also consider "whether the offender pleaded guilty, the level of culpability, the offender's previous convictions, and any other aggravating or mitigating factors". In relation to drug dealing offences, they added that "level of involvement, the circumstances of the supply, its scale, frequency, duration, the sums of money involved and the offender's previous record" would all be considered. Addiction charities claim cocaine is being used widely as a party drug and by street users. Pastor Brian Madden, who offers support to addicts in the centre of Belfast, said the city's drugs problem is getting worse. He claimed the availability of drugs is obvious in bars, as well as on the streets. "Years ago people went out and had a pint, now they go out and have a line of coke," said the pastor, who leads the Teen Challenge outreach team. "Once people someone gets addicted to it, it costs them a blind fortune. "I've been with people who've lost £26,000 in a couple of months." In May, cocaine with a street value of £18.5m was discovered hidden in the container of a lorry, which was about to board a ferry from Belfast to Scotland. Det Supt Kelly, from the PSNI's organised crime branch, said these drugs had travelled from France into the Republic of Ireland before being seized in Belfast. "Criminals are exploiting the Common Travel Area," she said. "There are international and trans-national links to the criminals that are bringing drugs into Northern Ireland." "But also paramilitaries are involved in that kind of importation, distribution and supply of drugs." If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article details ofhelp and support are available on the BBC Action Line.
Man calls for tougher drugs sentences after son's death
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"Father Calls for Stricter Sentences for Drug Dealers Following Son's Addiction-Related Death"
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TruthLens AI Summary
Tom McGrath is advocating for harsher penalties for drug dealers following the tragic death of his son, Matthew, who succumbed to a cocaine addiction. Matthew, 22, had struggled with his addiction for several years before he was found dead in his mother's garage in County Armagh in February 2024. McGrath shared his son's emotional turmoil, recounting how Matthew would often express his despair over his inability to quit using cocaine. In an interview with BBC Radio Ulster, McGrath highlighted the inadequacies of the current judicial system, which he believes fails to impose significant custodial sentences on drug dealers, thus allowing them to escape appropriate punishment for their actions. He emphasized that the lack of accountability for drug suppliers contributes to the ongoing drug crisis, noting that many dealers receive lenient sentences despite their involvement in severe drug trafficking operations that impact countless lives.
The increasing prevalence of cocaine use in Northern Ireland is alarming, as addiction charities report a significant rise in both recreational and street-level usage. Pastor Brian Madden, who supports addicts in Belfast, echoed McGrath's concerns, stating that the drug problem in the city is worsening, with cocaine becoming a common choice for socializing. He illustrated the devastating financial toll addiction can take, with individuals reportedly losing vast sums of money in short periods due to their drug habits. The National Crime Agency's recent seizure of cocaine at Belfast Port underscores the serious threat posed by organized crime groups exploiting the Common Travel Area for drug trafficking. Officials, including Det Supt Avine Kelly from the PSNI's organized crime branch, acknowledged the transnational nature of drug smuggling and the involvement of paramilitary groups in the distribution of drugs within the region. The call for tougher sentencing laws reflects a growing frustration among families affected by drug-related tragedies, as they seek to hold accountable those who perpetuate the cycle of addiction and suffering in their communities.
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