Courts / Dublin / Report

Dad made 'terrible decision' to start dealing drugs during Covid

Summary

In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Kaua Da Lima, 27, and his wife Natila Vargas, 34, pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis for sale or supply at their rented home in Fairview, Dublin 3, where they were raising an eight‑month‑old baby. Da Lima, a delivery cyclist, admitted he began dealing drugs during the Covid‑19 pandemic to support his family, citing financial hardship. Vargas, a healthcare worker caring for their child, also pleaded guilty. Gardaí discovered six cannabis plants in a bedroom wardrobe, with heat lamps and a fan, and nearly half a kilo of cannabis herb, valued at just under €14,000. Da Lima received a three‑year custodial sentence, suspended on conditions, while Vargas was fined €200, a fraction of the €2,500 maximum for possession. Both had no prior convictions and had not been previously known to the Gardaí.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Dad made 'terrible decision' to start dealing drugs during Covid. Charges or matters: possessing the drugs; possessing cannabis for sale or supply at his home on November 14, 2020. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• November 14, 2020 Incident
• November 2020 Other
• 2023-02-13 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Hearing Or Decision

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Read the original CNI report