Courts / Dublin / Report

Teen was caught with €150k in drugs

Summary

Ben Murphy, 18 at the time of arrest, was caught by gardaí holding cocaine and MDMA with an estimated street value of nearly €150,000. He claimed he was returning from a party to celebrate his Leaving Cert results. Garda John Griffin reported Murphy appeared nervous, prompting a drugs search that revealed a bag of cocaine in his fist and additional packages hidden in his trousers. A subsequent search of his home uncovered MDMA powder in a glass reptile tank, a plastic container, a spoon, and bagging. Murphy pleaded guilty to possession for sale or supply on 16 August 2018. He had no prior convictions and said he was pressured to hold the drugs, fearing repercussions if he named the owners. The court noted his remorse, family devastation, and his previous promise as a footballer. Judge Pauline Codd sentenced him to six years, suspending the final four and a half years, citing his age and the drug value.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Teen was caught with €150k in drugs. Charges or matters: possession for sale or supply of the drugs on August 16, 2018. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• August 16, 2018 Incident
• 2020-07-27 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Sentence

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Read the original CNI report