Taxi driver let his passenger carry two kilos of cocaine

A 61-year-old man, a leading figure in his immigrant community, has confessed to allowing his taxi to be used by another person for the possession of two kilos of cocaine on the motorway at Glanmire in November 2021.

Shabakiyu Sanusi, of Forest Mill Crescent, Athlone, was charged by Detective Garda Robert Kennedy that, on November 4, 2021 at M8 Glanmire, Cork, he was in control of a 2015-registered Toyota Prius and did knowingly permit the possession of a controlled drug.

He has pleaded guilty to that charge at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.

The background was that he was a taxi driver whose vehicle was stopped and searched.

His passenger was carrying two kilos of cocaine in a bag. The drugs had a street value of €140,000.

Judge Colin Daly said: “He appears to have allowed his passenger to keep the drugs in the vehicle. I take into consideration that his role was a minor, secondary role.

“Despite the significant value of drugs, I am satisfied the headline should be three years.

“In mitigation, there is his plea of guilty and his co-operation, so the headline sentence can be reduced to two years.

“He is a 61-year-old man now. A family man, previously of good character.

“He is an important role model in the migrant community where he lives. His taxi licence is suspended and, most likely, will be lost as a result of this offence.

“He has shown remorse, which I believe is genuine. He has remained (in the country) to deal with the charges.

“His co-accused made a different choice.”

The judge acceded to the application by defence barrister, Alan O’Dwyer, to impose a fully suspended sentence.

Judge Daly imposed a suspended, two-year sentence on Mr Sanusi.