Cork man accused of trying to sell cannabis to garda claims he bought substance in shop

Accused claims he bought the substance in a well-known retail shop and passed it off as cannabis

Thw accused appeared at Cork District Court where he was charged with possession of cannabis for his own use and possession of the drug for the purpose of sale or supply.

A man who approached an off-duty member of An Garda Síochána offering him cannabis is challenging the charges against him claiming that he bought the substance in a well-known retail shop and passed it off as cannabis.

Martin Long, aged 33, of Loughaderra, Castlemartyr, County Cork, appeared at Cork District Court where he was charged with possession of cannabis for his own use and possession of the drug for the purpose of sale or supply to others.

The value of the alleged cannabis seized was €280.

It is alleged that Martin Long approached an off-duty member of An Garda Síochána at the bus station on Parnell Place and offered to sell him the item.

Joseph Cuddigan solicitor said on behalf of Martin Long: “He said he purchased the substance that he offered it for sale — he purchased it from a retail premises and he was passing it off as genuine.” 

Mr Cuddigan said the premises in question was prosecuted a number of times for what was being sold at the store.

“I am asking for details of those prosecutions. I am seeking an order for details of those prosecutions.

“He is not denying approaching an off-duty garda,” the solicitor said.

Commenting on the defence of the case, Judge Philip O’Leary said, “It has a novel ring to it as a defence, I will give you that much.” 

 Judge O’Leary adjourned the case until March 25 at Cork District Court for the purpose of setting a later date for a hearing of the case.