Man Sentenced for Possession of £300,000 Cocaine in Glasgow
Declan Price, 29, was apprehended in the Sandyhills area of Glasgow in August 2024 while carrying cocaine valued at approximately £300,000. He was sentenced to three years and four months in prison.
Price was associated with drug dealer Paul Easdon, 38, who previously stated that his drug operation generated over £4 million monthly. Following a police investigation, Easdon was placed under surveillance, leading to the stop of a Renault Clio in Sandyhills on 2 August 2024.
The High Court in Glasgow heard that Price, residing in the Ruchazie area of Glasgow, exited the vehicle holding two carrier bags. A search revealed five blocks of cocaine inside the bags.
Judge Lord Arthurson remarked on Price's involvement, stating that he was making
"significant personal financial gain"from his actions and that a custodial sentence was unavoidable.
Details from the Court Hearing
Prosecutor Vish Kathuria informed the court that the cocaine blocks were taped and each weighed 1 kilogram (35 ounces). Easdon's DNA was identified on two of the packages, which collectively had a potential street value of around £300,000.
Both Easdon and Price admitted to charges of being concerned in the supply of cocaine.
Laura Radcliffe, representing Price, explained during sentencing that his involvement began after a dispute with his uncle, who was also his employer, and that he was facing increasing debts.
Easdon, from Strathaven, Lanarkshire, had been sentenced in October 2024 for his role in a large drug trafficking operation and is due for further sentencing in the coming month related to this case.
He was part of the same criminal network as former Mr Scotland bodybuilder John Barry McDuff, who was separately sentenced to seven years in 2024.
The arrests followed the authorities' successful infiltration of the EncroChat phone network, which several gangs used to coordinate criminal activities. Easdon communicated under the alias "glasgowceltic" on this platform.
Defence Statement
Radcliffe stated that Price had temporary employment that did not succeed, leaving him in a challenging financial situation with mounting debts.
"He came into contact with those involved in the drug trade and the opportunity was made to him to make some money - he had not been involved in this before.
This is something he will regret for the rest of his life and has had an effect on his family who are disappointed in him. He is disappointed that he finds himself before the court."
