Longford Garda raid uncovers street deal of cannabis
A woman who attempted to sell cannabis to make money to pay for a medical procedure was fined €450 at Longford District Court.
Larissa Hanafin (34) of 33 Moycourt, Moyvale, Ballymahon, Longford was before Judge Bernadette Owens on three charges.
The defendant was charged with the unlawful possession of a controlled drug (cannabis), the unlawful possession of cannabis for sale or supply and of engaging in the handling, acquiring, possessing or using €235 in cash which was the proceeds of criminal conduct.
Sergeant Mark Mahon said the charges before the court stem from a Garda search of the defendant's home on Monday August 8, 2022.
Sgt Mahon said the officers executed a search warrant on that date and found a number of “street deals” of cannabis that were prepared for sale or supply.
The defendant fully co-operated and when the officers found €235 in cash Ms Hanafin admitted it was the proceeds of the sale of the drugs.
The court heard there were 20 €50 deals, seven €30 deals, and six €20 deals. The sergeant said Ms Hanafin was extremely cooperative.
The court was told the defendant had “medical issues” and after changing her doctor she lost her place on a waiting list.
She found herself in a position where she felt she had to seek private treatment and had engaged in the drug dealing venture to pay for this treatment.
The legal representative said this unwise decision put the defendant in a situation where she lost all the money.
The defendant's legal representative said the investigating Garda had expressed concerns for the defendant's health.
Noting the facts of the case Judge Bernadette Owens registered a conviction and imposed a fine of €450 and issued a destruction order of forfeiture for the cash and a destruction order for the drugs.