Courts / Dublin / Report
Lithuanian smuggled cocaine "in return for short holiday"
Summary
Mantis Kerbelis, 23, was arrested at Dublin Airport after customs discovered a whiskey bottle containing 83 pellets of cocaine worth €91,079. He claimed he had no knowledge of the drugs and that the container was given to him in Dubai as part of a deal for a short holiday in Ireland. Kerbelis pleaded guilty to possession of drugs for sale or supply at Terminal Two on 5 February 2016. Judge Melanie Greally, noting his good cooperation, imposed a four‑and‑a‑half‑year sentence, suspending the final 18 months on the condition he leaves the country within seven days of release. He has one prior domestic‑violence conviction in Lithuania and had recently divorced after financial difficulties. He has been in custody since his arrest and has used his time productively.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Lithuanian smuggled cocaine "in return for short holiday". Charges or matters: possession of the drugs for sale or supply at Terminal Two on February 5, 2016. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- February 5, 2016 Incident
- 2016-07-25 Publication
Why: Mr McGinn said Kerbelis had worked in the area of electromechanics but lost his job "because of the vagaries of the economy" and the subsequent financial difficulties caused severe problems in his marriage. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: possession of the drugs for sale or supply at Terminal Two on February 5, 2016 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Melanie Greally noted Kerbelis's "good level of co-operation" and said she was able to depart from the presumptive minimum sentence of ten years applicable to this offence. Judge Greally imposed a four and a half year sentence but suspended the final 18 months on condition he leave the country within seven days of his release from prison.
Places mentioned
Topics
Airport Incidents Drugs Stage Sentence Violent Crime
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