Cannabis edibles and cocaine found in search of house in Cork city

A MAN has been sentenced after edible cannabis jellies and fudge were found concealed along with a quantity of cocaine in a house in Cork city.

Judge Olann Kelleher warned the man that he was facing jail on the charges of having cocaine and Tetrahydrocannabinol — the edible cannabis — for sale or supply to others on the occasion.

Kelvin O’Reilly, aged 22, of Silverheights Avenue, Mayfield, Cork, pleaded guilty to possession of the drugs and having them for the purpose of selling or supplying.

Sergeant Ciarán Kelleher said at Cork District Court that gardaí had obtained a warrant to search the house, and that cocaine with a street value of €1,658 was in the 22-year-old man’s home.

They also found cannabis herb worth €200 that he had for his own use.

The cannabis edibles that were found had a street value at the time of €1,650.

Sgt Kelleher said that 33 bags of cannabis-infused edible jellies and fudge were found concealed in the garage under tables.

Cocaine was found concealed on joists in the attic area over the defendant’s bedroom.

Defence solicitor Frank Buttimer said there were significant mitigating factors, including the fact that the defendant is so young, was never in trouble before or since this drugs seizure, and the fact that it dates back to September 20, 2020.

Mr Buttimer said the accused co-operated with the garda investigation and admitted his responsibility for it.

While there was a plea of guilty to all charges, if the case had been contested, “there would have been a debate about the cannabis jellies,” said Mr Buttimer.

The solicitor added that the accused had engaged well in terms of rehabilitation and there were favourable reports to this effect.

“He has totally turned things around and is no longer involved with substances,” said Mr Buttimer.

“There has been a total transformation.

“This may have been a watershed moment for him.”

Judge Olann Kelleher said it merited a prison sentence, but that he was obliged to take the mitigating factors into consideration.

A suspended ten-month sentence and fines totalling €1,500 were imposed, and O’Reilly was also ordered to do 240 hours of community service.