Cork man with addiction to crack, heroin and cannabis is remanded in custody

A young man with a several-hundred-euro-per-day addiction to crack cocaine, heroin and cannabis was remanded in custody until May 13 on drug-dealing charges.

Gardaí objected to bail last week for 26-year-old Aaron O’Driscoll of Desmond Square, Greenmount, Cork, believing that his addictions had spiralled out of control and that he would deal more drugs if released from custody.

Today, at Cork District Court, on the application of Sergeant Aisling Murphy, the accused was remanded in custody by Judge Mary Dorgan until May 13 to allow time for directions to be obtained from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Garda James Byrd said that on March 29, gardaí attached to Cork City district drugs unit executed a warrant on the home of Aaron O'Driscoll at 24 Desmond Square, Greenmount, Cork City, under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

“Aaron O'Driscoll and other males were present in the property at the time of entry. A large amount of suspected drugs, including cannabis, cocaine and diamorphine were located in the kitchen and a bedroom in the property. Cash totalling €1,675 was located in the property and this was broken down into predominantly small denomination notes.

“Amongst the suspected controlled drugs located on the kitchen table were two digital scales, plastic wrapping and other paraphernalia used to package drugs."

“Caught red-handed, Aaron O'Driscoll cooperated with Gardai during the course of the search regarding ownership of the suspected drugs, drug paraphernalia and cash.

“It is my belief that Aaron O'Driscoll will commit further offences if granted bail.

“Aaron O'Driscoll is currently unemployed and by his own admission suffers from a heavy addiction to crack cocaine, heroin and cannabis. This addiction is believed to be costing several hundred per day.

“With no other means to support his habit, gardaí believe Aaron O'Driscoll will continue to sell controlled drugs in Cork City. It is the contention of gardaí that Aaron O'Driscoll's drug use has spiralled out of all control,” Det Garda Byrd said at Cork District Court.