Man caught with drugs stash and €8,475 in fake cash during Wicklow raid
The Wicklow PeopleA Carlow man has admitted possessing large quantities of drugs and €8,475 in counterfeit currency after gardaí executed a search at his mobile home
Bernard Jackman (39) of St Austin’s Terrace, Tullow, County Carlow appeared for sentencing at Wicklow Circuit Criminal Court.
Mr Jackman pleaded guilty to four counts of possession cocaine, cannabis, MDMA and clonazolam.
He also pleaded guilty to three counts of possession for the purpose of sale or supply of cocaine, cannabis and MDMA, along with one count of custody of counterfeit currency.
Detective Garda John Hall from Bray Garda Station told the sitting of Wicklow Circuit Court that on October 27, 2023, gardaí obtained a Section 26 Misuse of Drugs Act warrant for a property at Munny Upper, Coolkenno, Shillelagh, County Wicklow.
A Section 26 warrant, granted under the Misuse of Drugs Act, allows gardaí to enter and search a property where they have reasonable grounds to suspect controlled drugs are being kept for sale or supply.
It also permits the seizure of any drugs or related evidence found during the search.
While executing the warrant, gardaí searched a mobile home on the property which belonged to the accused.
Counsel for the prosecution, James Kelly, remarked that upon entering the property, gardaí found 21 grams of cocaine, 35 MDMA tablets and over 88 grams of cannabis, with the total estimated street value of €3,600.
Det. Hall told the court that counterfeit currency was also discovered, totalling €8,475, comprising 107 €50 notes, 78 €20, 107 €10, and 99 €5 notes. He added that the notes “were clearly counterfeit to the eye”.
Mr Jackman was not present at the time of the search, but returned when contacted by gardaí.
During interview, he admitted ownership of the drugs and currency, but denied any intention to sell the drugs. Weighing scales and “deal bags” were also found at the property.
He stated that he had sold a caravan and received the currency as payment, but could provide no further details on the purchaser. “We advised him to make a complaint, but he failed to do so,” said Det. Hall.
The court heard that the currency was freely available to purchase online and was “quite popular at the time of the incident”.
Mr Jackman has nine previous convictions, which were described as “historical in nature”, with his last conviction dating back to 2012. Seven relate to public order offences and two to assault.
Counsel for the defence, Eamonn O’Moore BL instructed by solicitor, John S O'Sullivan, stated that his client, who works as a “busy landscaper” and employs five people, was “polite and cooperative” during interview and made certain admissions.
Mr Jackman is a stepfather and has a baby due in June 2026. The court heard that he was a passenger in a “terrible” crash in Tullow in 2004, which killed two of the occupants and contributed to his use of drugs and alcohol.
The accused has previously engaged with drug rehabilitation services. Mr O’Moore stated that his client “came to his senses in October 2025”.
Judge Patrick Quinn adjourned the matter until late 2026 for finalisation and the preparation of a welfare and probation report.
The defendant is due back before Wicklow Circuit Criminal Court in October 2026.