Cork man who swallowed white packet before drug search sentenced

A man who was informed that he was about to be searched for drugs walked away from the garda, popped a white packet into his mouth and swallowed it.

At Cork District Court he was sentenced to one month in prison by Judge Catherine Ryan.

It was the fifth time that Dan Doherty, aged 29, of Cork Simon Community was convicted of obstructing a member of An Garda Síochána.

Sergeant John Dineen described at Cork District Court the encounter Garda Kevin Roche had with him on Wednesday, October 8 2025, on Gillabbey St, Cork.

Garda Roche informed Dan Doherty that he was going to be searched under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Dan Doherty walked away from Garda Roche and proceeded to place a small white package into his mouth and swallow it, impeding Garda Roche in carrying out a search.

“Dan Doherty then opened his mouth showing Garda Roche the package was gone. He was arrested,” Sgt Dineen said.

The defendant had 103 previous convictions, including the four counts for obstruction.

Diarmuid Kelleher, his solicitor, said: “Unfortunately, he fell into addiction and homelessness. He is looking well now because he has been in custody since November.”