A DONEGAL man detected drug-driving was subsequently found in possession of €1,400 worth of cocaine.
Christopher Malley (37) was caught drug-driving by Gardaí at a checkpoint in Stranorlar in November 2019.
Following this, officers obtained a warrant under the Misuse of Drugs Act. In the search of a premises, Gardaí located 24.525 grammes of cocaine valued at €1,400.
Malley, with an address at Donegal Road, Ballybofey, was before Letterkenny District Court charged with drug-driving and with unlawfully possessing cocaine with the purpose of sale or supply.
Solicitor for Malley, Mr Patsy Gallagher, said his client, who had no previous convictions, was fully co-operative with Gardaí.
“It’s a crisis of consciousness,” Judge Alan Mitchell said. “It’s much easier to be co-operative when caught red-handed.”
Mr Gallagher said Malley was a 37-year-old separated man who was undergoing a ‘difficult time’.
“A close family member passed away and he has had his own difficulties,” Mr Gallagher said. “He has had issues with cannabis and various addictions that have had a profound effect on him. He has now moved on and he’s on the straight and narrow.
“I submit to the court that the value wasn’t really in the master plan of the sale. It was more supplying to parties within his own cohort.”
Judge Mitchell disqualified Malley from driving for one year and fined him €100 for the offence of drug-driving.
Malley was fined €200 for the possession of cocaine with the purpose of sale or supply.