Drug dealer jailed for 18 months after fleeing to Europe in 2018

The accused was arrested in Germany on foot of an arrest warrant. File picture

A 34-year-old man caught dealing €14,000 worth of cocaine in Cork City seven years ago returned to Bulgaria before charges were brought against him, but he was arrested recently in Germany on a European arrest warrant and now he has been jailed.

Judge Sinéad Behan imposed a sentence of two years with the last six months suspended in respect of Svetiozar Sabev, of no fixed address and of Bakers Rd, Cork, at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.

Sabev pleaded guilty when he was arrested and brought back to Cork to be charged with possession of cocaine and having the drug for the purpose of sale or supply to others.

Detective Garda Rory Fogarty testified that Sabev was arrested in Germany on foot of a European arrest warrant and brought back to Ireland.

The value of the seized drugs was €14,000, the detective confirmed.

The most serious of the charges to which Sabev pleaded guilty stated that on March 9, 2018, at Fuller’s Rd, Cork City, he had in his possession cocaine for the purpose of selling or otherwise supplying to another — contrary to the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Court proceedings were dealt with through a Bulgarian interpreter.

Judge Behan said: “As a result of confidential information and observations, a search warrant was executed and 200g of cocaine was found.

“Mr Sabev indicated he stored and dropped drugs to various cars, and he would receive €2,000 for his endeavours.

“He was an accommodations manager in Cork at the time.

“He smoked cannabis but did not use cocaine,” the judge added.

“He said he was under threat but was also receiving money. He left the jurisdiction before he was charged.

“He was arrested in Germany in December last.

“He was working in hotels [as an assistant manager] while abroad,” Judge Behan added.

The defence barrister, Elaine Audley, said the accused was cooperative with gardaí, had shown insight into his drug-related offending, and had a very supportive family.