Man, 61, jailed for drugs seized on Limerick farm after garda raid

A MAN was jailed for six years with the final 18 months suspended this Thursday morning in connection with a drugs haul of close to €600,000.

Charles Magill, aged 61, with addresses at Knockainey and Rivers, Lisnagry,was before Limerick Circuit Criminal Court for judgement.

Judge Tom O’Donnell said the accused was before the court on 16 charge sheets in relation to offences on May 27, 2022.

The judge said Sergeant Paul Bentley gave evidence on February 9, 2024, that he and other gardai were involved in an operation targeting the sale and distribution of drugs in the city on May 27, 2022.

“The accused was under observation. He was observed leaving a package for collection in Corbally. The package was retrieved. Gardai gave chase. The package was discarded through the passenger window. That person has been before the courts. There was €9,000 worth of cocaine in the package. The accused had delivered the drugs,” said Judge O’Donnell.

The judge said there were follow-up searches at Mr Magill’s home in Rivers, Lisnagry and a farm in Knockainey.

A large quantity of drugs were seized including heroin (€130,000); cocaine (€385,000); tablets (€40,000); amphetamines (€41,000); cash (€49,000); three weighing scales, bags and gloves were seized, he said. The drugs paraphernalia showed the preparation and mixing of drugs, he said.

Judge O’Donnell said during garda interviews Mr Magill maintained he was coerced to get involved in an effort to reduce a drug debt mainly belonging to his partner.

“He told gardai he was given detailed instructions and was afraid to name the parties involved. The accused doesn’t display any trappings of wealth,” said Judge O’Donnell, who described Mr Magill as “a second-tier manager”.

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In sentencing Mr Magill, the judge took into account his early admissions, early plea, lack of serious previous convictions, his age of 61, that he is a hard-working individual and the “spectre of coercion which gardai accepted”.

Judge O’Donnell imposed a six year prison sentence with the last 18 months suspended for having drugs valued at over €13,000 for sale or supply at Rivers, Lisnagry. A concurrent sentence of six years in jail with the last 18 months suspended was handed down for having drugs valued at over €13,000 for sale or supply at the farm in Knockainey.

Concurrent four year jail sentences were imposed for the possession of drugs paraphernalia and money laundering. The remaining charges were taken into consideration.

Orders were made for the forfeiture to the State of €49,000 in cash seized by gardai and for the almost €600,000 worth of drugs to be destroyed.