Cork man swallowed white packet when about to be searched for drugs

Dan Doherty, of Cork Simon Community, has been sentenced to one month in prison

A man who was informed that he was about to be searched for drugs walked away from the garda, popped a white packet into his mouth and swallowed it.

He has now been sentenced to one month in prison by Judge Catherine Ryan at Cork District Court.
It was the fifth time that Dan Doherty, of Cork Simon Community, was convicted of obstructing a member of An Garda Síochána.

Sergeant John Dineen described the encounter that Garda Kevin Roche had with the 29-year-old on October 8, 2025, on Gillabbey St, Cork.

Garda Roche informed Doherthy that he was going to be searched under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Doherthy walked away from Garda Roche and proceeded to place a small white package into his mouth and swallow it, impeding Garda Roche in carrying out a search.

“Dan Doherty then opened his mouth showing Garda Roche the package was gone. He was arrested,” Sgt Dineen said.

The defendant has 103 previous convictions, including four counts for obstruction.

Diarmuid Kelleher solicitor said, “Unfortunately, he fell into addiction and homelessness. He is looking well now because he has been in custody since November.”