Heroin dealer caught in Bandon after garda noticed 'bulge in the seat of his pants', court told

The court heard that on the basis of confidential information, gardaí established that Anthony Michael Curtis was obtaining heroin in Cork City and bringing it back to Clonakilty.

Gardaí were about to transfer Anthony Michael Curtis from Bandon garda station to hospital when the officer noticed the package. File picture: Denis Minihane

Gardaí were about to transfer a suspected heroin dealer from Bandon garda station to hospital to monitor him in relation to a package concealed inside himself but as they walked to the car a detective saw the heroin stash bulging from the back of the man’s pants.

46-year-old Anthony Michael Curtis of 39 Pearse Street, Clonakilty, County Cork, has now been jailed for three years with the last 18 months of that suspended by Judge Helen Boyle.

Detective Garda Shannon Ryan testified at Cork Circuit Criminal Court that on the basis of confidential information, gardaí established that Anthony Michael Curtis was obtaining heroin in Cork City and bringing it back to Clonakilty.

“We obtained a search warrant for his premises. Before it was executed we met him on the street (at MacCurtain Hill, Clonakilty) and stopped him for a search. He was agitated and anxious on speaking to us. We brought him to Clonakilty station for the purpose of a search which was negative.

“However, I had a strong belief that he was in possession of drugs on his person. He was transferred to Bandon garda station. He denied all knowledge of heroin. 

"It was my belief that the was inside him. A doctor was called and after consultation it was decided that the defendant would be transferred to Cork University Hospital for monitoring for the passing of drugs.

“As we walked towards the patrol car I noticed a bulge in the seat of his pants. He was brought back into the station. A brown substance was taken from his underpants. He admitted it was heroin,” Det. Garda Ryan said.

The Diamorphine (heroin) had a street value of €3,800. The search was then carried out at the defendant's home and small quantities of drugs were located. 

Cannabis and traces of heroin on burnt tinfoil were found as were Diazepine tablets without prescription. Drug-dealing paraphernalia, including weighing scales and deal bags were also found.

“He admitted getting the heroin in Cork and transferring it to Clonakilty. He admitted that he had been denying to us that the package of drugs was in him at a time that he knew it was.

Addiction

“He also admitted allowing his home to be used for cutting heroin into deals and he admitted supplying the drugs. He was a chronic drug user at the time,” Det. Garda Ryan said.

Peter O’Flynn, defence barrister, said Mr Curtis had a long-term heroin addiction. He did engage with rehabilitation services for some time but relapsed. “Even though he was on a methadone programme he relapsed,” the barrister said.

Mr O’Flynn suggested that the accused had not been taking heroin for some time since this occurred. Det. Garda Ryan replied: “I don’t know. He has not come to my attention.” 

In all the circumstances, Judge Helen Boyle imposed a jail sentence effectively totalling 18 months on Anthony Michael Curtis, with a further 18 months suspended on condition that he attend for drug rehabilitation under the supervision of the probation service on his release from prison.