Limerick man to be sentenced over Snapchat drug deals delivered on scooter
A JUDGE has been urged not to jail a young man who has admitted selling a variety of drugs including cannabis-infused jellies, some of which were being transported by e-scooter.
Adam Stephenson, aged 23, who has an address at Bourke Avenue, Lord Edward Street, Limerick has pleaded guilty to multiple drugs charges relating to seizures at his home on three separate dates between March 16, 2021 and July 9, 2022. He has also pleaded guilty to a money laundering charge.
During a sentencing hearing, John O’Sullivan BL, prosecuting, said some of the offences were committed while the defendant was on bail and that consecutive sentences are required by law.
Garda Eoin Murray said Mr Stephenson’s home was searched on March 16, 2021 shortly after he was observed acting suspiciously while in the company of another man close to his home. Three bags containing individually-wrapped cannabis jellies were discovered along with cash and a quantity of cannabis.
Garda Murray confirmed that cannabis jellies are “becoming more prevalent” in Limerick and that the drug is “ingested by sucking a sweet”.
When questioned, the defendant admitted he was selling drugs via the social media app Snapchat to pay off a €2,500 drug debt.
He told gardai he had collected the packages earlier and that the money was “put in a box and handed over” to individuals whom he did not identify.
Judge Tom O’Donnell was told the second offence occurred just under a year later – on March 11, 2022. On that date cannabis and cannabis resin worth more than €2,500 was seized along with a quantity of cannabis wax which, Garda Murray explained, is a “sticky, melted-down substance which is sprinkled over a joint and smoked”.
Cash, two mobile phones and various paraphernalia associated with drug dealing were also located. Again, Mr Stephenson made admissions telling gardai his drug debt had increased to €14,000.
Less than four months later, on July 9, 2022, the defendant’s home was searched again after gardai observed a “male on an e-scooter” leaving the property.
Mr O’Sullivan said the male – Mr X – was “extremely nervous” when stopped and that he was found to be in possession of cannabis.
Drugs worth an estimated €18,500 and more than €1,600 in cash was seized during the subsequent search of Mr Stephen’s home – including in his bedroom and in the attic.
Seeking leniency, Mark Nicholas SC said his client had a “difficult early life” and that he suffered a health scare in the recent past.
He asked the court to note that Mr Stephenson had cooperated with gardai and that he had pleaded guilty at the “earliest possible stage”.
He said his client began using drugs at a young age and that he asked the court to note that he was not making money by selling drugs,
“There was a debt, he was selling, there was no profit,” he said, adding that he has not come to the attention of gardai since last summer despite being on their radar.
“It is a particularly sad and difficult story,” he said, adding that his client continues to have “huge support” from his family.
Adjourning the matter until June 19, Judge O’Donnell said what happened was “very very serious” and that he needs some time to reflect on the appropriate sentence.