Cannabis juice ‘now commonplace’ in Limerick, court told
THE CONSUMPTION of cannabis jellies, and the vaping of cannabis oil or “juice” is “now commonplace”, Limerick Circuit Court has heard.
Judge Tom O’Donnell had asked Detective Garda Eoin Murray about how prevalent these forms of cannabis are, during the sentencing of a man who had these drugs for sale or supply.
“They have started showing up in more investigations in the last two to two and a half years. Their consumption is now commonplace,” said Det Garda Murray.
Peter Byrnes, aged 29, of Scanlon Park, Castleconnell had earlier pleaded guilty to the possession of drugs for sale or supply.
Prosecuting barrister, John O'Sullivan, instructed by state solicitor Padraig Mawe, outlined the sequence of events with the assistance of Detective Garda Murray.
Mr O’Sullivan said a package sent from Holland to an address in Scanlon Park was intercepted by Customs and Excise.
“A search warrant was obtained by gardai and a controlled delivery was carried out at the address in Scanlon Park on August 5, 2020.
"He (Mr Byrnes) fled the scene and ran out the back door. The package was thrown over a wall. The search warrant was executed. Mr Byrnes approached the premises on a bicycle. He was arrested and duly detained,” said Mr O’Sullivan.
The court heard that the package contained 1.1kg of cannabis herb, valued at €20,102. Seven packs of cannabis jellies or “edibles” with a value at €307.60 were found in the house.
Mr O’Sullivan said gardai received information that Mr Byrnes had drugs in a car parked in a communal space in Scanlon Park.
“The passenger window was broken. An O’Neill’s gearbag was found containing 63 bottles of cannabis juice (€3,260) and 282 packs of cannabis jellies (€11,280) in the boot. In total, over €34,000 of drugs was seized (between the package and in the car),” said Mr O’Sullivan.
The barrister said during interviews with gardai, Mr Byrnes admitted living there with his mother and father. Mr O'Sullivan said the accused told gardai he would “rather face the charge than deal with the owners of the drugs as he was in fear of his life”.
“He feared there was a gun in the package due to the amount of gardai. He agreed to collect the package to pay off a drug debt. He said he has been smoking (cannabis) every day since he was 12. He feared he would be shot. He was told a package would be coming,” recounted Mr O’Sullivan from the garda interviews.
In the second garda interview, Mr O’Sullivan told the court that Mr Byrnes said he owed €10,000 and was “a stoner that got caught up”.
“He said he was told to mind the cannabis jellies and juice for two weeks. He accepted full responsibility,” said Mr O’Sullivan.
Brian McInerney BL, who represented Mr Byrnes, asked Det Garda Murray if his client was “very much afraid” of those who he owed money to and did he accept he had valid concerns for not mentioning names to gardai? “Yes,” said Det Garda Murray.
“The sinister people in the background would be dangerous?” asked Mr McInerney. “Yes,” said Det Garda Murray.
Mr McInerney asked if is client did have a significant addiction but there has been a change in Mr Byrnes and he hasn’t come to garda attention since? “Yes,” said the detective garda.
Judge Tom O’Donnell asked Det Garda Eoin Murray about how prevalent these forms of cannabis are.
Mr McInerney said Mr Byrnes has no trappings of wealth and handed in letters on behalf of his client’s doctor, letters written by Mr Byrnes and his partner.
The barristers said his client has a strong work history and has made “great strides to turn around his life”.
Judge O’Donnell adjourned sentencing until April 17 as he wanted time to consider all the information presented to him.