Schoolboy sent for trial in connection with €34k drugs seizure

A 17-year-old schoolboy was served with a book of evidence today and sent forward for trial in connection with a €34,000 cocaine and heroin seizure in Dublin last May.

The teenager has been charged at the Children’s Court with possession with intent to supply in a south Dublin bed-sit. He was also charged with having drugs with a value in excess of €13,000, which can result in a mandatory minimum 10-year sentence.

Judge Bryan Smyth was told it was alleged that gardaí were acting on information they received when they searched the bed-sit and found the cocaine and heroin.

The south Dublin boy was present with three others. The court heard it was alleged the value of the cocaine was €30,000, the heroin was worth €4,000 and a second person is also facing prosecution.

Defence solicitor Adrian Lennon made submissions pleading for the case to be kept in the jurisdiction of the juvenile court.

He told Judge Bryan Smyth that his client had no prior convictions, was in school and it was not alleged the boy had travelled far to “cut a major deal.” He said the teenager, who is on bail, did not live in the bed-sit but was from the same area.

However, Judge Smyth refused jurisdiction and held that the case should be sent forward for trial to the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, which can on conviction, impose lengthier sentences.

The boy, who was accompanied to his case by his mother, was served with the book of evidence. Legal aid was granted and he was returned for trial at the next term of the Circuit Court.