A MAN found in possession of €340 worth of drugs claimed that the stash was for personal use.
The Garda Drugs Unit was on patrol on November 21, 2019, when they stopped Stephan Lakatas.
Officers detected a strong smell of cannabis and carried out a search under the misuse of drugs act.
Lakatas (36), of Isleway House, Lower Main Street, Letterkenny, was found with cannabis herb wrapped in tin foil. An examination valued the drugs at €340, Gardaí said.
Lakatas was before Letterkenny District Court this week.
“It seems quite a lot for personal use,” Judge Paul Kelly remarked.
Lakatas’ solicitor, Mr Patsy Gallagher, said his client was in a long-term relationship and had been working before the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Matters have gone south slightly,” Mr Gallagher told the Court.
“He had been getting work here, there and everywhere. He was working on a daily basis.
“He was totally cooperative and forthright with this.”
Judge Kelly asked how Lakatas had afforded the drugs.
Addressing the Court, Lakatas said the drugs were for he and his roommate ‘for personal use in the evening’.
Lakatas claimed that they had spent €75 each on the drugs and added: “It will never happen again, I am really sorry.”
Judge Kelly gave Lakatas the option of making a €300 donation to Letterkenny Youth and Community Club.