Man jailed for possession of €39k of cannabis after odour brought him to attention of gardaí on Cork street

THE smell of cannabis from a man walking along the main street of Castlemartyr attracted the attention of gardaí and when they opened the suitcase he was carrying they found €33,750 in cash.

Detective Garda Michelle Quinn testified that €39,000 worth of drugs were seized at the man’s home in the follow-up investigation.

The accused man, 24-year-old Israel Matiki, has now been jailed for four years.

On June 22, 2019 at Castlemartyr there was a strong smell of cannabis from the defendant and he was searched and found with cannabis herb and a suitcase containing €33,750 in cash.

Gardaí obtained a warrant to search his house in Cuirt Na Greine, Castlemartyr, County Cork.

In the course of that search almost two kilos of cannabis were found with a €39,000 street value.

More cash was found at the house in the sum of €2,150.

“He made admissions saying he was minding the cannabis and money for another party but he would not disclose any details and indicated he was afraid of the other party,” Det. Garda Quinn said.

Defence senior counsel, Tom Creed, said there were testimonials describing the good character of the 24-year-old who had no previous convictions and had not come to the attention of gardaí since this occurred.

“Apart from this incident he was being a useful member of society,” Mr Creed said.

Judge Seán Ó Donnabháin said, “This is a case in which the guard outlined somewhat unusual circumstances. 

"She found him pulling a bag through Castlemartyr and there was a smell of cannabis which brought her attention to him and the suitcase. 

"Then there was a search of the house.

“He accepted the money was the proceeds of crime.

“This man was well integrated in society doing a course, working and playing sport and he knowingly got involved in this.” 

The judge imposed a five-year jail term on Israel Matiki with the last year suspended.