Jail for driver who had heroin and crack cocaine in his car when stopped by gardaí in Cork

Drugs unit gardaí intercepted a car arriving in Cork city with a consignment of heroin and crack cocaine and the driver who did not cooperate with the investigation was jailed for eight years.

The 28-year-old man was sentenced for dealing heroin and crack cocaine in Cork city. 

Judge Dermot Sheehan imposed a sentence of ten years with the last two years suspended at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.

The most serious charge brought by Detective Garda Linda O’Keeffe against Osarodion Alex Aghafekohian of Moran’s Terrace, Drogheda, County Louth, states that on March 31 2023 at Redemption Road, Cork, he had diamorphine at a time when its street value exceeded €13,000. 

That is the threshold figure for a ten-year minimum sentence unless the judge finds there are exceptional circumstances.

The accused man pleaded guilty to that charge in respect of heroin when he was arraigned at Cork Circuit Criminal Court. 

He also admitted having cocaine for sale or supply to others on the same date.

Defence senior counsel Ray Boland said the 28-year-old had no previous convictions but that at the time of the offences more than two years ago he did have difficulties with drugs. 

He stressed the plea of guilty entered by the accused which saved the state the time and expense of a trial by judge and jury.

BMW

Detective Garda O’Keeffe testified that on March 31 2023, gardaí from the divisional drugs unit of Cork city received confidential information that a white BMW 320 was travelling to Cork city to deliver a quantity of diamorphine and crack cocaine.

“After 6pm this car was observed on Redemption Rd Cork with the male driver and one male front seat passenger. I moved to intercept this vehicle on Redemption Road and pulled an unmarked patrol car in front and facing directly at the white BMW with the blue lights and sirens activated.

“The front seat passenger picked up a clear plastic bag and exited the BMW, attempting to run away with the drugs. He was apprehended by Gardaí. The driver was Osarodion Aghafekohian,” Det Garda O’Keeffe said.

The package contained of 433g of Diamorphine (heroin) with a street value of €60,642, together with 103g of crack cocaine with a €7,252 street value.

The driver was arrested at 6.25pm that day on Redemption Rd and conveyed to Gurranabraher Garda Station where he was interviewed on three occasions. 

In all of these interviews he was un-cooperative with Gardai and attempted to distance himself from the incident, Det Garda O’Keeffe said.

When his phone was forensically analysed it contained tick lists and location data, including eircodes of known drug users.

“He showed no remorse for his action. He was not an addict and alleged he received €350 for doing this. He refused to comment about doing this on any previous occasions,” the detective said.