Man admits cannabis supply offences linked to operation 'Eagle Eye’

21-year-old’s involvement was 'not insignificant'

A 21-year-old man from Douglas has been sentenced after admitting supplying cannabis over more than two years.

Samuel Reilly, of Hillside Avenue, pleaded guilty to offending between April 2022 and November 2024 during an appearance at Douglas Courthouse.

The court heard his case formed part of the Isle of Man Constabulary’s 'Eagle Eye' operation. 

An associate of Reilly had their mobile phone seized which led police to believe he was also involved.

Reilly was subsequently arrested and gave 'no comment' answers to all questions during interview; he also declined to provide the PIN code to his phone.

Investigators found that Snapchat and Telegram were believed to have been used in connection with the offences. 

The court also heard he had made threats of violence towards individuals who owed money.

However the prosecutor said it was not possible to determine the full extent or value of the supply as messages on those platforms are deleted immediately or shortly after being read.

She described Reilly as being “not at the bottom of the drug deal ladder”.

In mitigation Reilly’s advocate said his client had begun using cannabis at the age of 16, with heavy use by 17, and had become part of a peer group which also used drugs.

He added that Reilly regretted his actions and had shown remorse adding that he has since stopped using cannabis, distanced himself from that group and “isolated himself”.

It was argued his role in supplying the drug was “motivated by sustaining his own personal use” rather than commercial gain.

Sentencing Deputy High Bailiff Rachael Braidwood said Reilly’s involvement was “not insignificant but not top of the tree either” adding it was more serious than simply sustaining personal use.

Referring to the threats of violence she said it was a ‘serious matter’ noting the offending took place over two years and only stopped when police intervened. 

She also described him as “non-cooperative”.

Reilly was sentenced to 180 hours of unpaid community service, to be completed within 12 months, and ordered to pay £125 in prosecution costs.