Passport enquiry led to drug-dealing charges

A man who was never in trouble before called to a Garda headquarters in Cork to make a routine enquiry in relation to a passport application and ended up being prosecuted on drug-dealing charges.

Chris Shanahan was before Cork District Court on a signed plea of guilty to five charges under the Misuse of Drugs Act. He admitted having cannabis and having the drug for the purpose of selling or supply when he called to Anglesea Garda Station on June 26 last year.

Shanahan’s home at Lissadel, Maryborough Hill, Douglas, Cork, was subsequently searched. Gardaí found Shanahan, aged 26, was cultivating cannabis. The accused also signed pleas of guilty to charges of cultivation of the herb without a licence. He also admitted possession of the drug and having it for sale or supply.

Sinead Behan, defending, asked or an adjournment to next term “to hear from character witnesses”.

The barrister also wanted time for the defendant to have regular urinalysis to show he was cannabis-free.

Judge Seán Ó Donnabháin put back sentencing until November 7.