Drug dealer snared by investigation into cutting agents

20 September 2010

Shane McMahon, who pleaded guilty to possessing class B and C drugs with intent to supply in August this year has been sentenced to 3 years and 8 months.

McMahon’s arrest was a direct result of on-going SOCA investigations into the supply of cutting agents to the illegal drugs trade in the UK. The investigators traced a supply of chemicals to an address in Swadlincote, Derbyshire, where they recovered 350 kilos of Benzocaine, a chemical commonly used to cut cocaine, as well as significant quantities of amphetamine and cannabis .

Two men were arrested at the premises and remain under investigation. Fingerprints found on the drugs packaging were identified as belonging to Shane McMahon who was already wanted by Derbyshire Police for failure to comply with a drug rehabilitation order.

McMahon was located in the Netherlands following a Crimewatch appeal, and was extradited under an European Arrest Warrant in May. On 12 August 2010 he appeared at Leeds Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to possessing class B and C drugs with intent to supply.

For more on SOCA's action against cutting agent importers see our recent news story.