Limerick mum-of-three appears in court after being charged with €644k heroin and cocaine seizure

A LIMERICK mother-of-three who is charged in connection with a large cocaine and heroin seizure appeared before the court on Tuesday.

Karen McGarry, aged 48, of Glendale Lawn, Old Singland Road, appeared before Judge Eamonn Carroll, from custody, on Tuesday, November 3, having been refused bail last Friday.

At a previous hearing, Limerick District Court was informed that suspected cocaine and heroin, with an estimated street value of approximately €644,000, was found at her residence on Wednesday, October 28.

Following the discovery, Ms McGarry was charged with two offences. It was heard at last Friday’s hearing that more charges are expected to be preferred. A file is now being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

It was outlined that cocaine with an estimated street value of €490,000 and heroin with an estimated street value of €154,000 were seized when the council home Ms McGarry was living in was searched under warrant. She was the main tenant.

The court heard that most of the drugs were found in a shed, located to the rear of the home.

However, it was alleged that €12,000 worth of cocaine was also found “at hand” under the 48-year-old’s bed, according to Garda Colm McHugh.

Following her arrest, the accused was interviewed five times and made certain admissions that she was allegedly storing these drugs for unnamed individuals.

Limerick District Court was informed that the mother-of-three’s phone was also seized and that content on this showed she was allegedly “trusted” to carry out these endeavours.

During the failed bail application on Friday, it was heard that Ms McGarry gave a “very vague story” as to how she ended up in this situation.

She is now charged with Section 15 Misuse of Drugs Act and Section 3 Misuse of Drugs Act.

This Tuesday, November 3, prosecuting sergeant Aisling O’Neill informed the court that DPP directions are outstanding on the matter and requested an adjournment.

Karen McGarry was remanded in custody and will next appear before Limerick District Court on December 1, where it is expected that these instructions will be made available.

She will appear via video-link.

Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme.