Man calls for tougher drugs sentences after son's death

Tom McGrath’s 22-year-old son, Matthew, tragically lost his life to a cocaine addiction, sparking a call from his father for harsher punishments for drug dealers. The National Crime Agency recently uncovered the largest cocaine seizure in Northern Ireland at Belfast Port, shedding light on the presence of organised crime groups exploiting the Common Travel Area for drug trafficking between the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

Matthew’s battle with cocaine addiction was a tumultuous one, marked by drastic mood swings from being “hyper” to “very emotional,” according to Tom McGrath. Despite his son’s cries for help, Matthew ultimately succumbed to the grip of addiction, leaving behind a grieving family. At Matthew’s funeral, Mr. McGrath urged the priest to raise awareness about the dangers of cocaine and the devastating impact it can have on individuals and families.

Expressing his frustration with the leniency shown towards drug dealers, Tom McGrath highlighted his concerns over the lack of custodial sentences for those responsible for supplying drugs. In the UK, cocaine is classified as a Class A drug, carrying severe penalties for offenders. However, recent cases have seen individuals linked to significant cocaine seizures receiving suspended sentences, raising questions about the effectiveness of deterrence in tackling drug trafficking.

As addiction charities warn of the escalating cocaine problem in society, Pastor Brian Madden emphasized the widespread use of cocaine as a party drug and among street users. The availability of drugs in bars and on the streets of Belfast is a growing concern, with Pastor Madden witnessing firsthand the devastating financial toll addiction can take on individuals. With significant drug seizures continuing to unfold in Belfast and concerns over paramilitary involvement in drug trafficking, the battle against drug addiction and trafficking remains a pressing issue in Northern Ireland

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