A COUPLE in their 20s were found in possession of cocaine and a large quantity of cash when stopped by Gardai.
On March 30, 2019 at 9.06pm, Gardaí stopped a black Range Rover at Ardraven, Buncrana.
The Range Rover was driven by Jessica McLaughlin, who was accompanied by Ricky Fagan.
Gardaí carried out a search under the misuse of drugs act and the pair were conveyed to Buncrana Garda Station.
A bag of white substance was found on the floor of the custody area, which Fagan admitted ownership of.
A similar bag was found in the back of the Garda van, which McLaughlin admitted ownership of.
The substance was confirmed to be cocaine with a total value of €50.
A sum of cash totalling €1,800 was seized from the pair and remains in the possession of the State.
Solicitor Mr Rory O’Brien told Buncrana District Court that the cash from from ‘business he (Fagan) was involved in’ and he would be seeking to have it returned.
Mr O’Brien said the couple – who had addresses in Buncrana at the time of the offence – are now living in Northern Ireland, where McLaughlin works in retail.
McLaughlin (23), who has no previous convictions, was asked to make a €150 donation to St Vincent de Paul.
Fagan (27), who has previous convictions for public order offences, was fined €150 and given four months to pay.
Fagan was further charged in connection with an incident on May 7, 2018.
At 3.10am at Main Street, Buncrana Gardaí observed Fagan involved in a physical altercation with other males.
Gardaí noted that a number of punches were thrown before Fagan ran down an alleyway.
Officers had spoken to Fagan who had been engaged in threatening and abusive language.
A fixed charge penalty notice was issued but was not paid.
Judge Kelly fined Fagan €150 and gave him four months to pay.