By Philip Dewey
Copyright walesonline
A drug dealer found in possession of almost 9kg of cannabis worth up to £46,000 claimed the drugs were for his own personal use. He was reprimanded by a judge after he told a probation worker cannabis had “helped him in his life”. Daniel McQuade, 29, was visited by police at his home in Cardiff on June 1, 2023, and the property was searched, resulting in the discovery of a bag for life. The bag was found to contain nine large vacuum pack bags each containing cannabis. A sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court on Wednesday heard police also seized scales, an iPad, zip lock bags and £225 in cash. For the biggest stories in Wales first, sign up to our daily newsletter here The bag for life was forensically examined and was found to contain fingerprints belonging to the defendant. During his police interview, he admitted ownership of the drugs but claimed they were for his own personal use, and said he had purchased the cannabis for £9,000. Prosecutor Mari Watkins said the drugs were weighed at 8.79kg in total and had a wholesale value between £36,000 and £46,800. McQuade, of Penygarn Road, Ely, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply class B drugs. The court heard he has one previous conviction for drink driving in 2022. In mitigation, Sali Harmes said her client was “remorseful” for his behaviour but denies any commercial involvement or wholesale level dealing. He admits to street dealing directly to users. The defendant is a full time carer for his mother, who has mental health issues and is a cancer survivor, and has a job which enables him to contribute to rent. Ms Harmes said: “He has grown up in a world which sees cannabis use as normal and wishes to change that view. He has found cannabis helpful in his own life and has no intention of stopping.” Judge Paul Hobson questioned whether the substance had been helpful in the defendant’s life, due to him coming before the court and facing a custodial sentence. The judge added: “Time and time again the court sees the consequences of the long term use of this drug.” McQuade was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment.
