Gardai discover drugs stored in socks during raid on Limerick home
Defendant 'found himself in a dark hole owing money to a senior drug dealer'
DRUGS valued at €8,000 were stored in socks at the home of a man who had accumulated a drugs debt to a “more sinister character”, Limerick Circuit Court head.
Thomas Quinn, aged 41, of Pineview Gardens, Moyross pleaded guilty to possession of alprazolam for sale or supply on February 15, 2022.
Prosecuting barrister John O’Sullivan, instructed by State solicitor Padraig Mawe, outlined the evidence with the assistance of Garda Laura Lyons.
Mr O’Sullivan said a search warrant was executed on the accused’s address by Detective Garda Michelle Browne and members of the Divisional Drugs Unit.
He said 4,000 tablets, kept in four socks in a spare bedroom, were discovered. They had a value of €8,000.
“Alprazolam has a legitimate medical use but is also sold illegally. It’s known as a ‘downer’ and is sold to addicts who take other drugs,” said Mr O’Sullivan.
Mr Quinn told gardai he had amassed a cocaine debt in recent months and was directed to store the drugs in his house. €200 would be taken off his debt.
Mr O’Sullivan said Mr Quinn is on social welfare and passed his day by tending to horses. The court heard that it was while he was tending to horses he was approached by a man to hold the drugs.
Amy Nix, barrister for Mr Quinn, said the man who asked her client to hold the drugs was a “senior drugs criminal”. She said Mr Quinn feared for his own safety and has no trappings of wealth.
Judge Dermot Sheehan asked what Mr Quinn was doing about his addiction?
“He is doing well. Cocaine is an expensive drug. He is not a man who can afford to sustain the habit. He found himself in a dark hole owing money to a senior drug dealer,” said Ms Nix.
The barrister said her client got a significant fright. She said Mr Quinn looks after horses and his two adult children are doing extremely well.
Judge Dermot Sheehan said Mr Quinn was addicted to cocaine at the time and accumulated a drug debt to a more sinister character who insisted he hold those drugs.
“Every time he did this €200 was taken off his debt. It happened a few times. He accepts his responsibility. He has weaned himself off his habit and has no trappings of wealth. He feared for his own safety,” said Judge Sheehan, who imposed a two and a half year jail sentence which he suspended in full.
“I am willing to take a chance on you. You have had a long period free of crime. This was an unfortunate lapse,” said Judge Sheehan.