Jarrow drug dealer sent cannabis to customers through the post – judge tells him of the harm of his crimes

Steven Taylor posted out packages containing cylinders marked “medical cannabis” to clients locally and nationally.

The 25-year-old’s illegal trading was uncovered when one of the parcels, which was destined for Berkshire, was intercepted by Royal Mail sorting office staff in 2016.

When police raided his home, officers found 92.31g of cannabis, worth over £900, “several hundred” cylinders with the same medical marking and £6,200 in a cash box.

A financial investigation revealed more than £26,000 in unexplained cash had passed through his accounts and a search of his mobile phone showed a quarter of all text messages related to drug dealing.

At Newcastle Crown Court, Taylor, of Durham Grove, Jarrow, admitted attempting to supply a controlled drug of Class B and possession of a Class B drug with intent.

Prosecutor Alec Burns told the court: “This came to light because on November 17, 2016, an envelope was intercepted in the Royal Mail office at the Team Valley, addressed to Berkshire.

“The police examined it and found two plastic containers labelled medical cannabis.”

Mr Burns said the value of the cannabis in the seized packaged was between £40 and £60.

The court heard Taylor claimed the cylinders in his home were for “storage” and denied sending the envelope which was seized by the police, despite his finger prints being on it.

Judge Amanda Rippon sentenced Taylor, who has just become a father, to 18 months imprisonment, suspended for two years, with 150 hours’ unpaid work and rehabilitation requirements.

Judge Rippon told him: “Using the postal service and supplying cannabis through it is very serious.”

She said cannabis supply provides cash to criminal gangs.

Gavin Doig, defending, said Taylor, who has no previous convictions, now realises how serious his offending was.