Man accused of dealing heroin in Cork remanded in custody

The accused  is charged with selling heroin and cocaine in Cork city centre.

A Dublin man who admitted to gardaí that he was responsible for the epidemic of heroin overdoses in Cork at the end of 2023 was remanded in custody for another fortnight.

Josh McGuinness’s solicitor, Eddie Burke, said, that the case had been adjourned to today for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Sergeant Gearóid Davis said: “It is a recent matter. My application is for a remand in custody to January 17.” 

Mr Burke said the accused was due to appear at the High Court in Dublin to appeal his refusal of bail in the case. Judge Mary Dorgan told him that he would be required to appear in Cork District Court in person on January 17 if granted bail.

Detective Garda Derry O’Brien arrested 30-year-old Josh McGuinness of no fixed address and originally of Harmonstown Road, Raheney, Dublin, last month and brought him before Cork District Court on charges of dealing heroin and cocaine on Oliver Plunkett Street, Cork.

Det Garda O’Brien gave evidence of the accused man being questioned during his detention: “Mr McGuinness made admissions in relation to knowing that deals being sold were to blame for the recent epidemic of overdoses in Cork City area over the past week.” 

McGuinness is charged with four counts, namely being in possession of Diamorphine (heroin) and cocaine for his own use, and having both drugs for the purpose of selling or otherwise supplying to others.

Refusing the district court bail application, Judge Mary Dorgan said: “Everyone is entitled to their freedom and the presumption of innocence. He was caught red-handed and it is alleged that he made admissions to being responsible for the recent epidemic of overdoses.” 

During the objection to bail, Det Garda O’Brien said the accused had a severe crack cocaine addiction that extended to consuming 15 to 20 deals of the drug per day at a daily cost of €600.

The detective said the accused was stopped and searched and found in possession of heroin valued at €2,000 and cocaine worth €1,000 and that the drugs were broken down into deal-sized bags, ready for sale and distribution in Cork city centre.

The cocaine he was allegedly dealing was described as crack cocaine in 34 individual deals and 21 deals of heroin.