Cork man hid cocaine in his mouth while being processed at garda station, court hears
Defendant admitted placing three bags of white powder in his mouth. He said each bag contained cocaine worth about €50, giving a total value of €150.
A Cork man arrested in connection with a separate matter tried to conceal three bags of cocaine in his mouth while being processed at a garda station, Bandon District Court has heard.
Inspector Kay O’Donoghue told the court the incident occurred at Bandon Garda Station on August 11, 2025, when Scott Costello, 24, of Father Dominic Road, Ballyphehane, Cork, was being processed in the station reception area.
The court heard that, while being processed, Costello was observed placing three bags containing what appeared to be a white powder in his mouth. When questioned, he admitted placing the bags in his mouth. He said each bag contained cocaine worth about €50, with a total value of €150.
Costello admitted the drugs belonged to him, and subsequent analysis confirmed the substance was cocaine.
The court heard that Costello has 27 previous convictions, including five for possession of illegal drugs and one for possession of drugs for the purpose of sale or supply.
Éamonn Fleming, defending, said Costello had suffered from health issues, including anxiety and depression, for which he had received treatment.
The court was told Costello’s parents had sold their home in Cork city and moved to West Cork in an effort to remove him from negative influences. The court heard the move had been beneficial and that Costello was now working with a local building company and had "turned the corner" in relation to his addiction issues.
Judge Joanne Carroll warned Costello he was "getting to the end of the line now" and directed that a probation report be prepared.
She adjourned the case until October 1 and directed Costello to complete two random drug tests in the interim.
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