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Drugs Kingpin gets 15 years for €10m haul that included stolen garda uniform
Summary
Andrew Pender, 52, was sentenced to 15 years' imprisonment for running a sophisticated drug‑distribution cell in Dublin. He pleaded guilty to possession of nearly €10 million worth of drugs, €1.15 million in cash, two vehicles fitted with hidden compartments, a stolen Garda uniform and a rented shipping container. The drugs included almost €4.5 million in cocaine, €2.5 million in ketamine, €1.3 million in cannabis and €700,000 in MDMA. Pender also admitted money‑laundering offences. Judge Orla Crowe noted his long‑standing cocaine addiction, medical issues and a letter of remorse, but emphasised that he was in "clear control" of the operation and had no higher‑level contacts. The sentence was back‑dated to his initial arrest and credit was given for time served on remand. The State was ordered to forfeit the seized drugs, cash, vehicles and container. No part of the sentence was suspended.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Drugs Kingpin gets 15 years for €10m haul that included stolen garda uniform. Charges or matters: possession of an assortment of drugs for sale or supply at The Ward in Co Meath on July 19, 2024; having two vehicles – a Peugeot and a Mercedes Luton van – which had been fitted with a compartment in circumstances giving rise to the inference that he possessed or controlled it for the purpose connected with the commission, preparation, facilitation or instigation of a drug trafficking offence on the same date; money laundering of €1,149,920 in cash at The Ward, his home and his parents' home also on the same date; the offences at an early stage. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- July 19, 2024 Incident
- November 2021 Incident
- 2025-07-16 Publication
Why: Mr Ó Lideadha submitted to the court that Pender had the money and drugs in order to pay off a drug debt but gardaí do not accept this. CNI source report
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: possession of an assortment of drugs for sale or supply at The Ward in Co Meath on July 19, 2024; having two vehicles – a Peugeot and a Mercedes Luton van – which had been fitted with a compartment in circumstances giving rise to the inference that he possessed or controlled it for the purpose connected with the commission, preparation, facilitation or instigation of a drug trafficking offence on the same date; money laundering of €1,149,920 in cash at The Ward, his home and his parents' home also on the same date; the offences at an early stage (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Photo: Collins) The manager of an "entire cell of a drug distribution network" in Dublin has been jailed for 15 years after he was caught with almost nine million worth of assorted drugs, over €1 million in cash and a stolen garda uniform. Judge Crowe said she was taking into account mitigating features of the case including Pender's personal circumstances and his plea of guilty, before she imposed a sentence of 15 years in prison.
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