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Man's cancer surgery led to overuse of painkillers, debt and eventual €3m drug bust
Summary
Ian Kidney, a 37‑year‑old Dublin resident, was sentenced to seven years in prison for his role in a €3 million cannabis and cocaine operation. He had no prior criminal record but was under Garda surveillance from 3 April last year. Kidney pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of drugs for sale or supply: one for transporting drugs on Dublin's north side and another for a haul at a south‑side storage facility. Garda Brian Kirwan testified that Kidney drove a van to Finglas, delivering two boxes to Liam Mellows Road, where €320 000 of cannabis was found. He then drove into Dublin City Centre, where a stop on Beresford Street led to the seizure of €198 332 of cannabis. A self‑storage unit in Ballymount yielded €2.28 million of cannabis herb, €5 572 of resin and €694 858 of cocaine; Kidney held one of two keys.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Man's cancer surgery led to overuse of painkillers, debt and eventual €3m drug bust. Charges or matters: two counts of the possession of drugs for sale or supply on that date. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- April 3 Incident
- 2025-02-27 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: two counts of the possession of drugs for sale or supply on that date (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: A Dublin man, whose overuse of painkillers following cancer surgery led to drug addiction and debt, has been jailed for seven years for his part in a €3 million cannabis and cocaine operation. The court heard that Judge Dara Hayes sentenced the co-accused, Philip Lawless, in December.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Liam Mellows Road
- Dublin City
- Beresford Street
- was taken to Mountjoy Garda Station
- Mountjoy
Topics
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