Corkman caught with cannabis jellies and cocaine hidden in his home

Gardaí found 33 bags of cannabis-infused edible jellies and fudge concealed in the garage under tables, court told

Gardaí found cocaine with a street value of €1,658 in the defendant's home, court heard. Picture: iStock

Edible cannabis jellies and fudge were found concealed along with cocaine in a house in Cork City and now a young man has been sentenced for dealing the drugs.

Judge Olann Kelleher warned the man he was facing jail on the charges of having cocaine and tetrahydrocannabinol — the edible cannabis — for sale or supply to others on the occasion.

Kelvin O’Reilly, of Silverheights Avenue, Mayfield, Cork, pleaded guilty to possession of the drugs and having them for the purpose of selling or supplying.

Sergeant Ciarán Kelleher said at Cork District Court that gardaí obtained a warrant to search the house, and cocaine with a street value of €1,658 was in the 22-year-old man’s home.

They found cannabis herb worth €200 that he had for his own use. And they found the cannabis edibles, which had a street value at the time of €1,650.

Sgt Kelleher said 33 bags of cannabis-infused edible jellies and fudge were found concealed in the garage under tables. Cocaine was found concealed on joists in the attic area over the defendant’s bedroom.

Defence solicitor Frank Buttimer said there were significant mitigating factors, including the fact the defendant is so young, was never in trouble before or since this drugs seizure and the fact it dates back to September 20, 2020.

Mr Buttimer said the accused cooperated with the Garda investigation and admitted his responsibility for it. While there was a plea of guilty to all charges, if the case had been contested, “there would have been a debate about the cannabis jellies”, Mr Buttimer said.

The solicitor added the accused had engaged well in terms of rehabilitation and there were favourable reports to this effect. 

“He has totally turned things around and is no longer involved with substances. There has been a total transformation. This may have been a watershed moment for him,” he said.

Judge Olann Kelleher said it merited a prison sentence but he was obliged to take the mitigating factors into consideration.

A suspended 10-month sentence and fines totalling €1,500 were imposed and Kelvin O’Reilly was also ordered to do 240 hours of community service.