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'Joe Soap from Malaysia' jailed for carrying €560k in cannabis
Summary
Adrian Mah Yew Beng, a 40-year-old Malaysian national, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for possessing cannabis herb valued at €560,000 for sale or supply on February 28. Beng pleaded guilty to the charge. Judge Martin Nolan noted that while drug transportation is serious, Beng operated at the lowest level of the trade. The judge set a headline sentence of eight years, which was reduced to an effective custodial term of four and a half years, backdated to February 28. Prosecution evidence indicated Beng arrived at Dublin Airport with two locked suitcases containing 30kg of cannabis in 56 vacuum-sealed packages. He claimed he did not pack the luggage, believed it contained cigarettes, and was to be paid approximately €600. Defense counsel John Byrne SC described Beng as a "Joe Soap from Malaysia" who took a chance for small money. The court heard Beng has no previous convictions, is cooperative, and is willing to leave Ireland and not return upon completing his sentence. He has two children and cares for his mother. The matter was finalized with the imposition of the custodial sentence.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'Joe Soap from Malaysia' jailed for carrying €560k in cannabis. Charges or matters: possessing cannabis herb valued at €560,000 for sale or supply, on February 28 last. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- February 28 Incident
- 2024-11-14 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: possessing cannabis herb valued at €560,000 for sale or supply, on February 28 last (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Passing sentence today, Judge Martin Nolan said that although drug transportation was a serious matter, Beng was probably at the lowest level. Mr Byrne said of Beng: "He took a chance for small money and he got caught." The court heard that Beng is happy to leave Ireland and not return once he has completed his sentence.
Convicted Person
Charges: possessing cannabis herb valued at €560,000 for sale or supply, on February 28 last (Alleged Or Contested)
Outcome: Joe Soap from Malaysia" who flew into Dublin Airport carrying over half a million euro worth of cannabis has been jailed for four and a half years.
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