Teen charged over 'ecstasy' worth €46,000

A book of evidence was served yesterday on a Dublin teenager charged over a seizure of ecstasy tablets worth nearly €46,000 at his home.

The unemployed 17-year-old boy had been charged at the Children’s Court with possessing ecstasy tablets for sale or supply, at his home, in Loughlinstown, in south county Dublin, on February 17 last. He was aged 16 at the time.

He has also been charged under Section 15A of the Misuse of Drugs Act for possessing drugs with a value in excess of €13,000 for sale or supply, which on conviction at Circuit Court level can carry a mandatory minimum 10-year sentence.

He also faces two charges for simple possession of quantities of cannabis and cocaine.

In an outline of the allegations Garda Ken McDonald of Dundrum station told the court that “€44,940 worth of ecstasy tablets, 1.8 grammes of cocaine, worth €140, €21 worth of cannabis resin and €385 was seized.” Another supply of ecstacy tablets worth €610 was also found during the search.

The total street value of the drugs was €45,711, the court had heard.

Judge Clare Leonard heard yesterday that the boy had been served with the book of evidence. The DPP was consenting for the case to be sent forward to the next term of the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

The judge granted legal aid and remanded the teen, who was accompanied to court by his mother, on bail pending his trial.

The teenager’s bail is on condition that he must obey a curfew to be in his home between 10pm and 8am and not consume alcohol or drugs.

Earlier a judge had held that the case was too serious to be kept in the Children’s Court and should be sent to the Circuit Court which has more stringent sentencing powers.