Out-of-work chef offered drugs in takeaway – and became a dealer

March 18, 2021

A MAN was found with almost €4,000 worth of drugs a large quantity of cash when Gardai raided his house in Letterkenny,

On November 25, 2020, Gardaí executed a search warrant under the misuse of drugs act at the home of Marek Cofala, at Rann Mor Walk.

Officers located 100 grammes of cannabis, with an estimated street value of €2,000, 25 grammes of cocaine, valued at €1,800 and eight grammes of amphetamine, worth an estimated €120.

Gardaí found €1,250 and £80stg in cash, deal bags and weighing scales.

Cofala made full admissions when charged and said the cash was the proceeds of the sale of drugs.

Solicitor Ms Maureen Crawford-Gallagher said her client was a 38-year-old Polish man who came to Donegal in January, 2008 and had been employed as a chef until the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ms Crawford-Gallagher said Cofala was in a takeaway when he was offered drugs and ‘before he knew it he found himself dealing in drugs and the Gardaí were at the door’.

“He is, by all accounts a very decent person,” she told Letterkenny District Court.

“He is sorry and remorseful.”

A letter on behalf of the Cofala – who has no previous convictions – was submitted.

Judge Paul Kelly adjourned the case to allow for the preparation of a Community Service report.


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