Automatic checking system alert about car's tax led to garda's discovery of €35k of cocaine

Garda Patricia Hanley said she got a notification from Garda authorities via Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) to stop the vehicle

When the car was seen swerving in and out of the hard shoulder, the blue lights of the garda car were activated to signal for the car to stop. A search of the vehicle was carried out and €35,000 worth of cocaine was located along with small quantities of other drugs. File picture

Irregularities relating to car tax showed up on an automatic checking system and when gardaí stopped the car they found something much more serious — namely a €35,000 cocaine stash.

Garda Patricia Hanley testified at Cork Circuit Criminal Court that on June 6, 2024, she got a notification from Garda authorities via Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) to stop a particular vehicle, namely a car driven by Tara White on the M8 near Kilworth on June 6, 2024, because of issues concerning the car such as road tax.

Garda Hanley said she observed the car starting to swerve in and out of the hard shoulder. The blue lights of the garda car were activated to signal for her to stop. Once stopped there was a smell of cannabis coming from the car.

The driver of the car was Tara White, aged 49, with an address at Green Acres, Dundalk, County Louth. A search of the vehicle was carried out and €35,000 worth of cocaine was located along with small quantities of other drugs.

Garda Hanley was asked if she had any issues with anything in the probation report. Garda Hanley said the reference to having to clear a drug debt in the probation report was not mentioned by the accused to gardaí.

Alan O’Dwyer, defence barrister, said: “She has come before the court on a signed plea of guilty. She deeply regrets her actions.” Garda Hanley said: “From what I read in the probation report, she seems to be sorry for what she did.” 

Judge Helen Boyle said: “I don’t think she was ever in court before. This is a very serious matter. She needs to be putting her best foot forward if she is asking not to be put into custody.

“If she does not, she will be easy prey for people taking advantage of her. I will put the matter back. If she has not stopped using drugs then she is still interacting with people in the drugs trade.

“She is very much on the hazard of a sentence,” Judge Boyle said. Sentencing was adjourned until July 7 at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.