Courts / Dublin / Report

€335k in tablets stashed in van's secret, lead-lined compartment

Summary

During a search of a Renault van at Dublin Port, Gardaí uncovered a secret, lead‑lined compartment beneath the floor carpet containing 167,000 Xanax tablets, valued at €334,950. The van had arrived from Manchester on 4 July of the previous year. The owner, Conor Kealy, 42, of Gleann na hEorna, Springfield, Tallaght, pleaded guilty to importing controlled drugs. He was sentenced by Judge Martin Nolan at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to four and a half years' imprisonment, a sentence backdated to the July offence. Kealy claimed he was unaware of the compartment's contents. He has 21 prior convictions, including two drug offences, and has a history of addiction dating back to his teens. The court noted his vulnerability and the role of drug debt in his actions. He is reportedly adapting well to prison life.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: €335k in tablets stashed in van's secret, lead-lined compartment. Charges or matters: importing controlled drugs on the date in question. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• July 4 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2024-02-28 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Sentence

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Read the original CNI report