EVIDENCE of success of what has been described by one senior Garda as “a very proactive drug unit” operating in Galway, was on display at the local Court this week when several alleged serious dealers came before Judge Fiona Lydon, charged with the sale and supply of illegal drugs.
Large quantities of seized drugs have been collected by the Garda drug unit in this latest crackdown on dealers.
The amounts involved were so high that the Judge sent most to be dealt with at the higher Circuit Criminal Court.
The first defendant was charged with possession of heroin and money laundering and with possession for sale and supply of illegal drugs to the value of €34,000.
This was followed in the list by another man charged with the possession of drugs in excess of €70,000. This was followed almost immediately by a defendant who, it is alleged, was caught by Gardaí in possession of drugs to the value of €15,635. Next up was a Polish defendant who, it is alleged, had drugs for sale or supply valued at €40,000. He, as is the case of the vast majority of defendants, if not all, was granted free legal aid and also a Polish interpreter.
Next up was a Galway native who faces a charge of having cannabis valued at €17,000 for sale or supply.
Marin Perno, Cloon, Claregalway, pleaded guilty to having illegal drugs for sale or supply, estimated to be valued at least at €80,000.
He was sent forward on a signed plea to Galway Circuit Criminal Court on June 16 next.
The rest of the defendants will have to decide on their pleas; those who pleaded guilty like Perno will be sentenced when they appear before the higher Court. Those fighting their cases will be presented with a book of evidence, information collected by the investigating Gardaí, and their cases will be heard at the higher Court.
