Mother and son face prosecution for drug smuggling

A woman from the Dominican Republic and her teenage son are facing prosecution for jointly trying to import a substantial quantity of cocaine into Ireland.

The 17-year-old boy was charged at the Children’s Court today with possessing cocaine, possession with intent to supply, and importation of drugs, at Dublin Airport on August 22 last.

Garda Gary Dillane told Judge Bryan Smyth the boy was arrested at the airport and taken to Santry Garda station where he was held under provisions of the Drug Trafficking Act.

His period of questioning was suspended later that morning when he had to be brought to the Mater General Hospital, in Dublin.

It was resumed on his release from hospital on Thursday last when he was charged with the offences to which he made no reply.

The boy’s counsel said he had “no guardian and his mother is in custody.” Counsel said the HSE may have to be contacted over the boy who arrived in the State with his mother on the date of their arrest.

Earlier in the week the boy’s mother (aged 46) who is also a co-defendant in the case was remanded in custody to appear in the Children’s Court on September 30 next. She is facing the same charges.

Garda Dillane said that charges under “section 15A of the Misuse of Drugs Act” may be brought.

That relates to having illegal drugs valued in excess of €13,000, which on conviction can carry a minimum mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years.

The teenager remailed silent during the proceedings which were translated for him by an interpreter.

Judge Smyth granted legal aid and remanded the boy in custody to St Patrick’s Institution for one week pending directions from the DPP and possible further charges.