Teen imported cocaine to help mother

A teenager from the Dutch Antilles islands helped import cocaine into Ireland out of “familial duty” to his cash-strapped mother, the Children’s Court heard today.

The 17-year-old boy from Curacao, in the south Caribbean Sea and part of the Dutch Antilles group of islands, and his mother who is originally from the Dominican Republic had been arrested on August 22 last at Dublin airport.

The court heard that the boy was found with €7,741 worth of cocaine and it was alleged his mother had about €38,500 worth of the drug.

They have been charged with possessing cocaine, possession with intent to supply, and importation of drugs, at Dublin Airport on August 22 last. Bail had been refused previously.

A charge under section 15A of the Misuse of Drugs Act is to be brought against the mother for having illegal drugs valued in excess of €13,000, which on conviction can carry a minimum mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years.

In relation to the juvenile, defence solicitor Mr Paul Hannon yesterday (FRI) pleaded with Judge Smyth to retain his case in the Children’s Court and not send it forward to the Circuit Court which can impose lengthier sentences.

He said the teenager intended to plead guilty. He said the boy was immature and “saw this an opportunity to assist his mother out familial duty due to financial difficulties” and did not perceive the risk he was taking.

The boy’s education had been sporadic and in early childhood he had been taken by his mother to live in for a while in Holland and in the Dominican Republic.

His time in custody and 13 days' hospitalisation during which he was handcuffed to a bed, had been extremely traumatic for him, Mr Hannon said.

He also submitted that the teenager, who had the proceedings translated by an interpreter, has “suffered enough with regard to this offence” and had no previous involvement with drugs.

Arrangements have been made with Dutch social services for the boy to live with his sister in Holland on his release. The teenager would be assisted by social workers and attend school there.

However, if the case were sent forward to the Circuit Court the teenager could spend six months on remand until his case was heard, Mr Holland said.

Judge Smyth said he noted the submissions but said the offence was “very serious.” He refused jurisdiction for the teen’s case to be heard in the Children’s Court.

The teenager and his mother were further remanded in custody until November 6 next when they are to be served with books of evidence and be sent forward to the Circuit Court.