A Pembroke Dock man who attempted to stash a bag containing a large quantity of heroin has appeared in court on drugs possession charges.

Twenty-seven-year-old Daniel McKenzie, of Laws Street, pleaded guilty to possessing 14.5 grams of heroin; and 0.5 grams of cannabis when he appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

Prosecutor Ellie Morgan told magistrates that police officers were on duty in Pembroke Dock on March 11, when shortly after 10 pm their attention was drawn to the defendant and a female leaving the train station.

“Officers spoke to Mr. McKenzie and the female left carrying a carrier bag saying that she was on her way to Asda.

“He said that they’d been shopping in Swansea, but not bought anything. The female came back eventually and the pair left together,” explained Ms Morgan.

“Soon after, officers discovered the female hiding behind a toilet block, and thought that something might have been deposited there.

“The couple were stopped and searched, and police officers, suspicious of their behaviour, stayed in the area and conducted a search, finding a snap bag with heroin inside it.

“Officers attended Mr. McKenzie’s home address and he was arrested for possession of heroin. They then carried out a drug seizure, with a quantity of cannabis and digital scales being removed from his home,” she continued.

Initially Mr. McKenzie denied any involvement with the heroin, but admitted it was his in a second police interview.

“Police seized other items such as mobile phones, but it doesn’t seem that their investigations were fruitful for a higher charge,” added Ms Morgan, who said that Mr. McKenzie had three previous matters on record for drugs charges.

Defence solicitor Mike Kelleher told the court that Mr. McKenzie’s girlfriend had nothing to do with the matter.

“The defendant had become addicted to heroin, which he has used for a long time, but he has seen a doctor a month ago, and sought help from the Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service (DDAS), where he has been drug tested on a regular basis, and passed every test.

“He has stayed away from certain acquaintances in the drugs circle, and is going to become a father shortly.

“All of these things have made him change. If you’d have seen him five months ago, he was not the same person; he is fitter and healthier now,” added Mr. Kelleher, stating that his client was anxious to beat his addiction.

Probation officer Julie Norman told the court that the defendant was engaging with the community drug and alcohol team.

Magistrates told Mr. McKenzie that they were impressed that he was seeking treatment from the drug help team, but that it was up to him to fight his addiction and turn his life around.

They gave the defendant a 16-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and ordered him to pay prosecution costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £140. A destruction order for the drugs was also issued.