Court / Large fine for man who brought drugs to Shetland for personal use

23 March 2023 13:50

A MAN from Northern Ireland who was found with £1,200 worth of cocaine after arriving off a flight at Sumburgh Airport has been fined.

Darren Shaw, of Ballygormartin, Belfast, was found with the class A drug on 21 February last year.

He admitted the possession charge at Lerwick Sheriff Court on Thursday.

The court heard that it was agreed the drugs were for personal use.

Procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie said the 31-year-old had arrived in Shetland to work for three weeks.

However, the police had intelligence on him and detained him after he arrived at Sumburgh.

They found around 26 grams of cocaine within a sock in his bag, the court heard.

Defence agent Tommy Allan said his client had been going through a difficult period in his life, adding that he had taken to drug use after traumatic moments in his life.

Allan said the incident was “absolutely a wake-up call” for the electrician.

“This is something he wants to put behind him so he can move on,” the solicitor said.

Sheriff Ian Cruickshank said it was a “significant” value of cocaine involved, but noted it was for personal use.

He fined Shaw £1,350, with a victim surcharge of £75 added on top.

If you have been affected by crime, help is available. Whether you are victim, a witness, or the accused, you can find independent, impartial, and confidential support in Shetland.