Courts / Dublin / Report
Eminent US Surgeon who smuggled cocaine worth 100k gets suspended sentence
Summary
Dr Carlos Cruz Soriano, a 76‑year‑old retired US surgeon, was found in possession of 1.86 kg of cocaine valued at €107,000 in a red bag at Dublin Airport on 1 September 2015. He had been lured by a phishing scam that promised a $2.3 million inheritance from a long‑lost relative. The scammers had sent him on a "dry run" to Hong Kong and later to Colombia, where he received the bag and paperwork. Soriano pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine. Judge Melanie Greally, noting his isolation, depression and early‑onset dementia, imposed a fully suspended five‑year sentence, ordering him to leave the country within 24 hours. He had no prior convictions and was released after the sentencing.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Eminent US Surgeon who smuggled cocaine worth 100k gets suspended sentence. Charges or matters: possession of cocaine valued at €107,000 inside the red bag in the arrivals hall at Dublin Airport on September 1, 2015. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- September 1, 2015 Incident
- 2016-05-05 Publication
Why: They said they were finding it difficult to contact relatives of the man in order to facilitate a $2. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: possession of cocaine valued at €107,000 inside the red bag in the arrivals hall at Dublin Airport on September 1, 2015 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Today Judge Greally imposed a fully suspended five year sentence on condition Soriano leave the country within 24 hours after hearing that flights had been booked to Florida.; Judge Greally had adjourned sentencing after hearing evidence in the case last week when Soriano's lawyers asked for some time to make arrangements for his return to the United States.
Places mentioned
Topics
Airport Incidents Drugs Stage Sentence
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