Man jailed for storing €250,000 worth of painkillers to service a drug debt

By Declan Brennan

A drug user who said he agreed to store over €250,000 worth of painkiller medication to service a drug debt has been jailed for three-and-a-half years.

On October 30, 2020 Gardai raided the home of Vincent O’Connor (41) in Ballymun, north Dublin and seized €14,500 worth of illegal drugs including cocaine and €16,000 in cash.

They also found €254,000 worth of prescription drugs and it is the view of the gardai that O’Connor was in the possession of the drugs to sell, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard.

The money and tablets were found in various places in the house, including a drawer and a jacket and a safe.

O’Connor of Santry Cross, Ballymun pleaded guilty to possession for sale or supply of cocaine, and to unlawful possession of tablets without prescription.

After his arrest O’Connor told gardai that he had a drug habit and he had been approached to hold the drugs and he couldn’t refuse. He said he was sorry for all the hassle he had caused.

Ronan Kennedy SC, defending, told the court that his client came from a good decent family who were hardworking people and were all in court to support O’Connor.

Counsel said his client’s marriage broke down and he had to sell the family home.

He said that he had been living in an apartment in Ballymun by himself and there was a significant deterioration in his well-being.

He said that instead of reaching out for help he turned to drugs and alcohol and his use of these spiralled out of control.

Judge Martin Nolan noted that he has no relevant previous convictions, and has abided by his bail conditions.

He noted also the defendant has apologised for what he did.

“This court deals with drug offenders every day and must decide on the level of their wrong doings.

This man has strong mitigation factors,” he said.

But he said the matter is too serious for this court not to impose a prison sentence.

He imposed concurrent sentences of three and a half years.