Courts / Dublin / Report

Gardai found €280k worth of drugs after stopping wheel-spinning motorist

Date
2026-06-04
Stage
Sentence
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

A 23-year-old man from Dublin was jailed for three-and-a-half years after gardai discovered nearly €280,000 worth of drugs in his van and home. Ben Murray was stopped by gardai in Dublin 8 after spinning his van's wheels at a junction. During a search, gardai found 1.16kg of cocaine in the van, and over 2.8kg of cocaine and 2,500 alprazolam tablets in his home. Murray admitted to possessing the drugs for sale and stated he was to be paid €200 for transporting them. He had five previous convictions for road traffic offences. The court noted the large quantity of drugs and Murray's role in moving and storing them. Judge Orla Crowe imposed a four-year sentence, with the final six months suspended on strict conditions, considering Murray's cooperation, his history of addiction, and his family's support. The judge emphasized the seriousness of the drug trade and the need for rehabilitation. Ben Murray pleaded guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Gardai found €280k worth of drugs after stopping wheel-spinning motorist. Charges or matters: possession of drugs for sale or supply and was today jailed for three-and-a-half years. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

Case subjects

Ben Murray

Convicted Person

Charges: possession of drugs for sale or supply and was today jailed for three-and-a-half years (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Ben Murray (23) of Rockfield Avenue, Perrystown, Dublin 12 pleaded guilty to possession of drugs for sale or supply and was today jailed for three-and-a-half years. Having considered the mitigation and Murray's personal circumstances, Judge Crowe imposed a sentence of four years, with the final six months suspended on strict conditions.

Places mentioned

Residence
Court Venue
  • Dublin
  • Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Journey Or Route

Topics

Drugs Road Traffic Stage Sentence

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