Cocaine found during search of house in Laois
The drugs were found during the planned search of a house
A man who had ten bags of cocaine hidden in his hotpress claimed the drugs were for a party in Galway.
Robert Quigley (35) of 52 Esker Gate, Mountmellick admitted having cocaine for sale or supply at his address on December 14, 2023.
Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the ten bags of cocaine were found hidden in a cylinder in the hotpress of the house. He said the man had no previous convictions and the estimated value of the drugs was €1,400.
Paul Noctor BL said the man was out of work for the past nine weeks due to a hernia. He said he was anxious not to get a conviction. He said the drugs were to be used by a group who were going to a party in Galway.
“He would lose his job as a result of a conviction,” he remarked.
“The drugs that he had that day were for his own use,” Mr Noctor told Judge Nicola Andrews.
“Individually bagged for his own use” noted Judge Andrews. She asked how the drugs were discovered by gardaí.
Sgt Kirby explained that the house had been searched on foot of a search warrant.
Judge Andrews said she would refer the defendant to the probation services for a report.
Noting the drugs were found during a planned search, Judge Andrews said she wasn’t convinced by the defendant's contention that the drugs were for a party in Galway. “I don’t necessarily buy it,” she said.
However, she said the man had to be given credit for admitting possession of the drugs. She remanded the man on bail and adjourned the case back to Portlaoise District Court on October 7.