Cocaine seizure at Collins Barracks: Criticism of delays in case 

“How much indulgence must be given to the DPP?” the solicitor for a member of the Irish Defence Forces asked at Cork District Court today in a case related to the alleged seizure of more than €25,000 of cocaine at Collins Barracks on Old Youghal Road in Cork.

Shane Scanlon of Cooline Heights, Ballyvoloon, Cobh, County Cork, was represented by solicitor Frank Buttimer who asked this question of the Director of Public Prosecutions when it emerged that directions were not available.

Sergeant John Kelleher confirmed that directions were not yet available. Judge Mary Dorgan noted that forensic analysis of the drugs had not yet been undertaken.

Mr Buttimer was critical of the delay particularly in light of bail conditions which had to be observed by the accused, including the surrender of his passport and travel documents and signing three times a week at Cobh garda station.

The solicitor asked for the case to be adjourned on a peremptory basis against the state whereby it would be struck out if there are no directions on the next occasion. Judge Dorgan adjourned the case on that basis until January 13 2025.

Sergeant Kelleher said he was not objecting to the application to have the adjournment made peremptory against the state for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Drugs cases often require a lengthy adjournment to allow time for forensic analysis of the items seized and the delays in having this done.

34-year-old Shane Scanlon is charged with possession of a controlled drug, namely cocaine, at Old Youghal Road in Cork for the purpose of selling or otherwise supplying it to another on March 27. 

He is also charged with having cocaine unlawfully in his possession for his own use at Old Youghal Road on March 27. Both charges are brought under the Misuse of Drugs Act.