Courts / Dublin / Report
'Dupe' transported more than €830k of heroin
Summary
A man described as a 'suitable dupe' has been jailed for five years after transporting over €830,000 worth of heroin. Stuart O'Brien (46) of Rutland Grove, Crumlin, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of heroin for sale or supply on March 15, 2023. Gardai were conducting a surveillance operation in north Dublin after receiving confidential information. O'Brien was seen meeting a co-accused at a service station on the Malahide Road, where he was handed a bag containing heroin. The bag was later transferred to a third man, who was stopped by gardai and found to be in possession of 12 slabs of heroin weighing 5.9kg with a value of €831,000. O'Brien was arrested, but no evidence was obtained during his interview. He has two previous convictions, and the other co-accused has since died. O'Brien's defence highlighted his medical history, including a brain hemorrhage over 20 years ago, and his lack of trappings of wealth or addiction issues. He also noted that O'Brien has a job offer and receives disability benefits when not working.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'Dupe' transported more than €830k of heroin. Charges or matters: possession of heroin of sale or supply on March 15, 2023. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- March 15, 2023 Incident
- 2025-12-09 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: possession of heroin of sale or supply on March 15, 2023 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Nolan said the court could not identify exceptional circumstances in this case which would allow it to impose a non-custodial sentence and handed O'Brien a five-year sentence.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Oscar Traynor Road
Topics
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