Community service for man caught with €300k in prescription drugs

At Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, a man from Dublin has been sentenced to 240 hours of community service after pleading guilty to possession with intent to supply prescription medication without authorisation. Alan McDermott, aged 54, of Clonliffe Avenue, was apprehended on Philipsburgh Avenue on 16 August 2014 following gardaí surveillance in the Drumcondra area. Officers discovered approximately 149,000 Zopiclone tablets, valued at approximately €299,000 on the illicit market, concealed in boxes within his vehicle. McDermott admitted he had agreed to transport the boxes to settle a personal drug debt, intending to park the van and leave it unattended. Judge Melanie Greally suspended a three-year custodial sentence, having received a positive probation assessment recommending community service. McDermott, with no previous convictions, expressed remorse for his involvement.