DJ: I was dancing to drug gang’s tune

A DJ who claimed he was the “runner” in a drugs operation after he was caught with over €600,000 worth of various narcotics has been sentenced to eight years in jail, with the final two years suspended.

Derek Mulligan was living “a law-abiding life as an estate agent” until he became a DJ and got “embroiled in the drug world”, Judge Melanie Greally said as she sentenced him.

Mulligan, aged 43, of Bancroft Avenue, Tallaght, Dublin, pleaded guilty to possession of the drugs for sale or supply on February 5, 2015. His two previous convictions are for drugs and firearm offences.

Mulligan said he owed €30,000 and claimed he had been told he would get €500 knocked off his debt if he agreed to hold and deliver various amounts of cocaine, cannabis, ecstasy, mixing agents, and other prescription medication.

“I was dancing to their tune and had to do what they said. I was not in a position to say no,” Mulligan told gardaí. He said it was a vicious circle he was trying to get out of.

Mulligan was initially caught with just under €20,000 worth of cannabis herb in his car after gardaí spotted him breaking a red light at Tyrrellstown in Dublin.

A follow-up search of his home revealed another stash of €592,471 worth of various drugs, including €495,000 worth of cocaine; cannabis resin, ecstasy, other prescription drugs, and mixing agents.