Man (33) caught dealing heroin in Rochestown jailed 

A 33-year-old Dubliner based himself in Cork for the purpose of dealing heroin and another dealer would bring heroin to his ‘shop’ to top up the supply and bring the takings back to Dublin.

However, gardaí cracked down on Rhys McGuire’s operation in Rochestown, Cork, and now he has been jailed for three and a half years.

Judge Dermot Sheehan imposed a jail term of five years with the last 18 months suspended at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.

“He had been in Cork selling drugs to people who wanted heroin. Someone would come down to top up his heroin and take the money back to Dublin so he was effectively acting as an agent for the supply of drugs in Cork city.

“He lost his mother at a very young age. I note the presence of his family in court. He went to school and did work. 

“He went to Spain, came back and was homeless. 

“He is profoundly addicted – polysubstance abuse, particularly to the substance he was selling.

“But his dealing was systematic, organised and required the use of various paraphernalia and an agent to re-supply the ‘shop’, if you could call it, in Cork and take away the proceeds. 

“He well knew what he was involved with. But he was doing this as an addict," the judge said. 

“There is no indication of coercion against him on (examination of messages) his phone. It may be in the background. 

“It was highly organised drug-dealing," he continued. 

Defence senior counsel Ray Boland said Mr McGuire had taken responsibility in early course and was at this late stage dealing with his issues. 

He asked the judge to leave him some light at the end of the tunnel, not least in circumstances where he has a family who care for him.

He was caught with a stash of over €20,000 worth of heroin on Rochestown Road in Cork and charged by Detective Garda Mike Walsh.

He also admitted a money-laundering charge where he had €1,085 cash - the proceeds of criminal conduct.

Rhys McGuire of Iveagh Hostel, Bride Road, Dublin 8, pleaded guilty to being in possession of Diamorphine (heroin) on Rochestown Road, Cork, and having the drug for the purpose of sale or supply to others and the money-laundering charge - all related to April 12, 2023.