Man in Cork who tried to treat his cancer with cactus pleads guilty to possessing mescaline

Judge gives the accused man, Alexander Rojas Rey, the benefit of a dismissal under the Probation of Offenders Act

File picture: Larry Cummins

A 45-year-old Colombian man who tried to treat his cancer with dried cactus plant as used by indigenous tribes of the Amazon was prosecuted for having the drug for sale or supply at his home in Cork.

Defence senior counsel Elizabeth O’Connell said it was an unusual drugs case in that the defendant had the material sent to his home believing it was perfectly legal and intending to use it for entirely medicinal purposes.