Cocaine ‘more prevalent’ now than two years ago

A COURT has been told that cocaine use locally is more prevalent than it was two years ago.

The Circuit Criminal Court in Tralee on Tuesday heard how a 27-year-old Tralee man who was depressed and going through “a bad patch” following his partner’s suicide, had turned to cocaine.

He had begun selling and supplying the drug to feed his own habit. However gardaí, acting on confidential information stopped and arrested him near Abbeyfeale in October 23, 2015.

Declan O’Brien of Killeen Heights, Tralee had pleaded guilty at the Circuit Criminal Court in Tralee to having in his possession cocaine for sale or supply at Tralee Garda Station; and to possession of a small amount of cannabis in October 2015.

In evidence at Tuesday’s sentencing, Detective Garda James Fairbrother of the Kerry Divisional Drugs Unit told Tom Rice, prosecuting counsel, that a number of gardai were involved in the operation to intercept the vehicle driven by Mr O’Brien.

Brought to Tralee Garda Station, Mr O’Brien handed over cocaine with a street value of €7,770. A search of his home under warrant revealed a tiny amount of cannabis, weighing scales, zip lock bags and €3,400 in cash.

Judge Thomas E O’Donnell asked Garda Fairbrother if cocaine use was prevalent, to which the garda replied that it was prevalent, “even more so now”.

Defence counsel Katie O’Connell said her client had become depressed following the suicide of his partner, and had being using cocaine heavily “to get by on a day by day basis”. He had no previous convictions.

He had no wealth and had borrowed €5,000 from the credit union to buy a car just days before the search, the court heard. Ms O’Connell also said the case was unusual in that Garda Fairbrother was also present when Mr O’Brien’s partner and car were found after a three day search in February 2014.

Mr O’Brien had turned his life around after being arrested, had sought treatment at Talbot Grove drug and alcohol treatment centre, and is no longer on medication. Ms O’Connell said he had sourced work, was in a new relationship and he and his partner wanted to go to Australia to start a new life.

He also volunteered with Banna rescue team. His mother and partner were in court to support him.

Ms O’Connell asked for the Probation Act to be applied. However, Judge O’Connell said while conscious of the difficult circumstances, he was also of the view that if people got involved in drugs they must be prepared to deal with the consequences.

The matter was adjourned until November.