Monk-teacher drug dealer jailed

Brian Hossack • Published 13 Mar 2010 14:00

A DRUG dealer returned from teaching English to Buddhist monks in Thailand to be caught by a covert police operation at a Port Glasgow flat.

Vernon McIntyre, 36, was caught selling bags of heroin to two undercover officers working as part of Operation Analogous, which saw police teams swoop on suspected drug dealers during early-morning raids in Port Glasgow in November.

He was jailed for 12 months by Sheriff John Herald after pleading guilty to being concerned in the supply of heroin at Greenock Sheriff Court earlier this week.

Defence solicitor Aidan Gallagher explained how McIntyre, whose address was not given in court, had been in Thailand prior to the raid with family before falling in with the 'wrong crowd' on his return.

He added: "He had been living and working in Thailand at a temple teaching English to young Buddhist monks but came home for an extended Christmas in November.

"While back in Port Glasgow, he fell back in with old acquaintances and accepts he was within this flat in Clune Park and passed the drugs to police.

"The house was not his and the operation was not directed at Mr McIntyre, but he has accepted his involvement."

Depute fiscal Kris Kane explained how police turned up at the house on two separate occasions and posed as customers wanting to buy drugs.

He added: "They bought two £10 bags from the accused on 25 and 26 November.

"Warrants were issued after the transactions and the accused was arrested and charged."

Around 60 officers, including drug experts and public order police kitted out with helmets and specialist tools, took part in the Operation Analogous blitz, which resulted in a number of arrests across the town.

Sheriff John Herald told McIntyre his solicitor's plea had played a part in limiting his sentence.

He added: "I have taken into account all that has been said on your behalf and I consider the appropriate sentence to be 18 months.

"However, this will be reduced to one year, backdated to 11 December when you were first taken into custody."

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This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 13 Mar 10

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