Scaffolder charged with possessing drug “mixing agent” in Laois

Gardai charged a man with possessing a “mixing agent” initially believed by gardaí to have been €8,000 of cocaine.

Jason Hughes (42) of 12 Railway Mews, Portarlington is accused of possessing benzocaine at his address on December 12, 2023. The defendant was charged under Section 183 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said old charge sheets for drug possession were being withdrawn by the State and replaced with the new charge. 

He said a house was searched under warrant and a sealed plastic bag containing 99.4grams of benzocaine was found. An estimated value of €8,000 was placed on the substance as gardaí had suspected it was cocaine,  Sgt Kirby explained. 

Garda Fahy said “the item was originally believed to have been cocaine” and it was only when it was analysed that gardaí realised what it was.  He explained that it was “not a controlled drug” and said it had a nominal value of around €200. 

Sgt Kirby said “it is a mixing agent” and Garda Fahy agreed and said “people mix it with cocaine”.

Solicitor Michael Byrne requested some time to review disclosure in the case. He said his client had just started working as a scaffolder earning around €400 per week and was paying €1,300 a month in rent. He requested legal aid. 

Judge Susan Fay granted legal aid and adjourned the case back to Portlaoise District Court on April 14.