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Criminal caught with €3.3m in cannabis knew he was under surveillance

Summary

Keith Tiswell, 39, of Woodavens, Clondalkin, was sentenced to eight years in prison for possessing €3.3 million worth of cannabis. On 8 September last year, he was caught transporting the drugs at an industrial estate in Dublin 12. Gardaí had been surveilling two vans; after intercepting one, Tiswell handed over the keys to the other, which was searched and found with 168 kg of vacuum‑packed cannabis. He admitted to the offence, citing debts from a long‑standing drug and gambling addiction and claiming he was under pressure to keep the drugs. He had 75 prior convictions, including drug possession. The judge acknowledged the coercion but imposed the sentence, back‑dating it for time already served. The case was heard by Judge Martin Nolan, with prosecution by David Staunton BL and defence by Anne‑Marie Lawlor SC.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Criminal caught with €3.3m in cannabis knew he was under surveillance. Charges or matters: possessing cannabis worth €3.3 million. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• September 8 Incident
• 2024-04-16 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Sentence

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Read the original CNI report