Man found with over €500 of cannabis after Gardai see 'suspicious transaction'

A man spotted by Gardai engaged in a suspicious exchange was found with a quantity of cannabis worth over €500.

Officers were on patrol on February 17, 2022.

At Castle Street, Letterkenny, they observed a bag being handed over. Their suspicion was roused with how the exchange was carried out.

Alex McDermott was stopped and searched. Cannabis valued at €560 was found. McDermott told Gardai that the drugs were for his own use.

Subsequent analysis confirmed that it was cannabis.

McDermott, a 20-year-old with an address at Carrygawley, Letterkenny, was before Letterkenny District Court.

Sergeant Jim Collins said McDermott was 'fully co-operative when arrested. McDermott has no previous convictions, the court heard.

Mr Patsy Gallagher, solicitor for McDermott, said his client is a 20-year-old apprentice welder.

“He has learned a very salutary lesson,” Mr Gallagher said, adding that his client said the value of the cannabis was €270

Judge Éiteáin Cunningham convicted McDermott and fined him €250, allowing six moths to pay.