Nigel McLaughlin was caught twice in three months with cannabis. He received a suspended sentence and unpaid work.
The first stop occurred at a BP garage in Thetford in June 2022. Officers smelled cannabis, so they searched and found cannabis wraps and over £1,000. Amphetamine and drug dealing messages were also there. Police found more drugs at his home.
Weeks later, police stopped McLaughlin again while driving in Norwich on August 31. Officers discovered more cannabis and cash. A home search uncovered £7,800 worth of cannabis.
McLaughlin appeared in court for sentencing. He admitted to supplying cannabis, possessing cannabis and amphetamines.
His lawyer stated McLaughlin used cannabis heavily for 42 years. The lawyer said McLaughlin thought cannabis should be legal, feeling it helped him reach a spiritual level and saw himself as a healer.
The lawyer explained McLaughlin’s views and that he wasn’t trying to make money selling cannabis. He believed in its ability to help others.
The judge gave McLaughlin an 18-month suspended sentence, suspended for two years, stating he ran a drugs operation.
McLaughlin received 150 hours of unpaid work, six months of trail monitoring, and five days of rehabilitation. Finally, he must pay £500 toward costs.