Cork woman awaiting sentencing over €280k drug seizure

The seizure of a €280,000 stash of cocaine in a car on the M8 motorway at Riverstown, Glanmire, last August, will result in the sentencing of a 31-year-old woman.

The woman has signed a plea of guilty to her part in the crime.

Ellen Tobin, of 179 Comeragh Park, The Glen, Cork, admitted offences, the most serious of which was possession of drugs for sale or supply at a time when its value exceeded €13,000 — the threshold which allows for a minimum sentence of 10 years unless there are exceptional circumstances.

The case against the defendant relates to a drug detection by gardaí that occurred on August 11, 2025.

Ms Tobin was represented in Cork Circuit Criminal Court by Marjorie Farrelly, defence senior counsel, who applied for the preparation of both a prison governor’s report and a probation report on the accused in advance of sentencing.

Ms Farrelly said that the defendant had a difficulty with cocaine at the time that the offence was committed.

Judge Helen Boyle adjourned sentencing until May 14.

So far, no evidence has been given in relation to the background circumstances which gave rise to the charges being brought under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

It is anticipated that this will be outlined at the sentencing hearing.