Charges over €50k ecstacy struck out in loophole aftermath

Charges against a man relating to possession of 5,000 ecstasy tablets were struck out yesterday, a move understood to be a result of a recent loophole which had temporarily decriminalised certain drugs.

Mark Burke, with an address at Berrings, North Kilmurry in Co Cork, had been arrested by gardaí not far from his home last December. He had been subsequently charged with possession of the drugs which had an estimated value of up to €50,000.

However, when the case came before Judge James McNulty yesterday at Macroom District Court, Insp Ger Lacey asked that the matter be struck out.