Cork students who had €10k cocaine and €9k in cash between them given suspended sentences

Two East Cork students who had €10,000 in cocaine and over €9,000 in cash between them at their rented house on Western Road were described by the sentencing judge as being involved in a “concerted, organised affair” to sell drugs.

However, the judge said they had shown insight and remorse since the crime was detected in January 2022 and he imposed three-year suspended sentences on each of them at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.

25-year-old Dylan Heenan of Kilmahon, Shanagarry, County Cork, and 25-year-old Fionn Kiely, of An Faill, Cul Ard, Carrigtwohill, County Cork, admitted possession of cocaine for sale or supply at Rosarie Gardens, Western Road, Cork, on January 10 2022.

Fionn Kiely also admitted the additional charge of money-laundering in respect of €9,270 cash on the same date.

Judge James McCourt said one had the cash and the other had the drugs but that in effect they were operating together.

Detective Garda Ruairí McGovern testified that gardaí received confidential information and went to the property at Western Road.

“Fionn Kiely left this address and got into a vehicle. Gardaí stopped him on the N25 and informed him of the warrant to search the property at Rosarie Gardens.

“We asked him to return there with us which he did. It is just across from the gates to UCC. He had a key to the bedroom which was locked.

“Inside the bedroom gardaí found €9,270 in cash. Co-accused, Dylan Heenan was sitting on a bed. Cocaine on his bedside locker had a street value of €10,000.” 

Neither defendant had any previous drugs convictions.

Defence barrister Abigail Creed for Mr Kiely said the young man was abusing drugs at the time and he pleaded guilty to the charges against him.

Barrister for Mr Heenan, Brian Leahy, said the accused made admissions and took full responsibility.

“Drugs have had a devastating effect on him. He wanted to work in the US. He knows he has put a huge impediment in his way,” Mr Leahy said.

Judge McCourt was told that both men engaged fully with the probation service and appreciated the effect drugs had on them and more importantly on society.