Louth man hid €28,000 cannabis behind kitchen kickboards
A 23-year-old man “aligned with significant criminal elements” has been remanded on continuing bail for sentencing after Gardaí found drugs behind kitchen kickboards in his home.
Josh McLoughlin pleaded guilty to possession for sale or supply of cannabis with a value of €13,000 or more.
He told investigators following his arrest in connection with the €28,000 haul, “I don’t care what comes. I want this over with.”
A sentence hearing at Dundalk Circuit Court was put back to June 5 for a probation report.
Det Gda Dean Hyland said that the defendant’s address at the time, Cherrywood Close, Termon Abbey, Drogheda, was searched on June 30, 2023.
Behind loose kitchen boards officers discovered two bags of packages in cling film.
A small amount of cannabis (1.9g) was in Mr McLoughlin’s bedroom, along with a weighing scales and packaging.
The drugs weighed 1.427kg in total with a market value of €28,540.
The defendant was arrested and brought to Drogheda Garda Station.
He said, “I don’t care what comes. I want this over with. I’m angry with myself.”
The court heard of 8 previous convictions, all from the district court, including 7 for Road Traffic matters and one for Section 3 possession of drugs.
Cross-examined by Jim McGowan SC, Det Gda Hyland said that he had retained an interest in Josh McLoughlin.
"He’s aligned with significant criminal elements. I can’t speak favourably of him.”
Mr McGowan submitted that a probation report would be of assistance.