Courts / Dublin / Report

6.5 years for mule caught lugging 16kgs of cocaine

Summary

Daniel James Johnson, a 34‑year‑old UK national with no fixed abode in Lancashire, was found at Dublin Airport on 28 September 2023 carrying more than 16 kilos of cocaine in his luggage. The drugs, valued at €1.1 million, were intended for the UK market. Johnson had flown from Washington DC to Ireland to collect the drugs and then planned to travel onward to London Gatwick. He pleaded guilty to one count of importing cocaine. Johnson claimed he did not pack the bag or book the flights and said he was to be paid for the operation, though the amount was not specified. He also expressed fear for his family's safety. He has nine prior convictions in the UK for minor offences. On 13 May 2024, Judge Martin Nolan sentenced him to six and a half years' imprisonment, back‑dating the term to the time he entered custody in September 2023.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 6.5 years for mule caught lugging 16kgs of cocaine. Charges or matters: one count of importing cocaine at Dublin Airport on September 28 last year. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• September 28 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2024-05-13 Publication

Why: The court heard he had flown to the US in order to pick up the drugs and bring them back. Court evidence reported by CNI

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Sentence

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Read the original CNI report