Eight face court after undercover Garda drug sting
EIGHT people have appeared before a special sitting of Longford District Court on misuse of drugs charges, following an 18-month Garda sting operation.
The seven men and one woman, aged between 18 and 55, were all granted bail – with a number of conditions – following the hearing.
They had been arrested early yesterday afternoon.
It followed morning raids at nine locations in the Longford area.
They had been held at four separate Garda stations.
The Garda operation, which was conducted by two undercover gardaí, included around 50 transactions.
The estimated value of drugs purchased was €1,500 to €2,000.
Seven of those charged with possession and sale and supply offences did not reply to gardaí after they were charged.
Edward McDonagh (38), of Victory Court, Earl Street, replied “I want to go to trial” for an initial four charges read out by gardaí at Castlerea garda station.
He replied “not guilty” to a further two charges.
He was charged with the possession and sale and supply of cannabis.
The first to appear before District Court Judge Seamus Hughes was Michael Stokes (32), of Palace Crescent, Longford.
He was charged with the possession and sale and supply of cannabis.
He was followed by Martin Stokes (55), of Palace Crescent, Longford.
He was also charged with possession and the sale and supply of cannabis.
Patrick Stokes (21), of St Michael’s Road, Townparks, was charged with the possession and sale and supply of both heroin and cocaine.
Sylvia Nevin (29), of Grian Ard, Ardnacassa, Longford, was charged with the possession and the sale and supply of cannabis.
Stephen Stokes (18), of Grian Ard, Ardnacassa, Longford, was charged with the possession and the sale and supply of cannabis.
The offences he was charged with were when he was under the age of 18.
Brian Stokes (20), of Grian Ard, Ardnacassa, Longford, was charged with the possession and the sale and supply of cannabis.
Patrick Kelly (18), of Glebe View, Longford, was charged with the possession and sale and supply of both herand oin cocaine.
Directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions are expected on July
24.