Courts / Dublin / Report

'Nothing to declare' - British pair caught at port with almost €1m worth of cocaine

Date
2026-05-20

Stage
Sentence

Court
Dublin Port. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

Two British men, Philip Clarke and Adrian Leszczynski, were jailed for six years after being caught with almost €1 million worth of cocaine at Dublin Port. Both pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine for sale or supply in August 2025. Customs officers discovered 13.9 kg of cocaine hidden in the boot of a Ford Focus driven by Leszczynski, who claimed he was delivering a car from Spain to Ireland. A tracking device was found in the car, indicating others were monitoring its movements. Clarke, a passenger, claimed he was on holiday with his friend. Both men had no previous convictions and were arrested upon arrival. Their defense argued that they were used by others in the drugs trade and had no knowledge of the drugs. Judge Elma Sheahan noted the seriousness of the offense and the amount of drugs, but considered their guilty pleas and lack of prior convictions. She imposed a seven-year sentence, suspending the final 12 months on the condition that they leave the jurisdiction within four days of release and not return for ten years.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'Nothing to declare' - British pair caught at port with almost €1m worth of cocaine. Charges or matters: possession of cocaine for sale or supply on August 25, 2025 at Dublin Port. Procedural stage: sentence

When: