A Co Antrim man has been sentenced to five years for his part in a conspiracy to supply cocaine. Glen Burns, 43, from Moyard Gardens, Greenisland, received the sentence at Belfast Crown Court on Thursday.

The sentence comprises two years in custody and three years on licence. Burns was one of six men arrested after a covert police operation in November 2020.

On November 19, 2020, police searched a Vauxhall Astra parked in a yard off Kinbayne Avenue, Greenisland, and found bags of cocaine with 7% purity. The next day, a kilogram of cocaine at 60% purity was discovered hidden in a fence line, and a further 165 grams at 7% purity in a Ford Mondeo. In total, about 1.5 kilograms of cocaine were seized.

The operation was led by the National Crime Agency, working as part of the Paramilitary Crime Task Force. A covert listening device installed in a vehicle used by Burns captured conversations between him and a co-accused between October and November 2020.

They discussed the police searches, the ownership of the vehicles, drug mules, and disposing of phones. Burns was recorded saying he was surprised he had not been arrested.

Burns and five others initially denied conspiring to possess cocaine with intent to supply. All six later admitted the charge. Two co-accused, Darren Jonathan Kelly, 56, and Dean John Cromie, 28, received 20-month suspended sentences in December. Three others await sentencing.

Judge Laura Ievers KC said the Crown’s case was that Burns was a leading member of the organised crime gang. She stated the operation was significant and involved multiple participants. Burns told a probation officer his role was limited to providing lifts and making calls for modest payment, and that he knew it involved supplying drugs.

The judge said Burns had minimised his responsibility, and that the covert recordings showed he was aware of the scale and had influence on others. She also noted references describing his community work, including supporting vulnerable people during the pandemic and charitable causes.

Judge Ievers said the longer licence period was intended to support rehabilitation and help Burns use his skills for positive purposes.