Cork teenager 'was storing cannabis to pay off a drugs debt', court told

A teenager allegedly caught with €29,000 worth of cannabis — most of it vacuum-packed and concealed in the attic at his home — said his home and family were under threat because of his drugs debt.

Garda Kian O’Sullivan said: “On April 17, gardaí executed a warrant under the Misuse of Drugs Act to search his home at Meadow Walk, The Meadows, Hollyhill, Cork, home of Callum O'Driscoll, aged 18.

“Total cannabis with an approximate value of over €29,000 was located. A search was carried out in the attic and cannabis was found in vacuum-packed packages and on further search there were deals in smaller packages elsewhere.

“More cannabis deals and weighing scales were found in a shed along with digital weighing scales and €250 cash. Quantities of cannabis were located broken down into deal bags.

“Callum O'Driscoll admitted he was storing cannabis to pay off a drugs debt. He refused to give gardaí a PIN code for his phone and was arrested and detained in relation to the matter.

"He made full admissions to storing the cannabis in order to pay off a drugs debt. He further received €250 cash for his role.”

Cross-examined by defence solicitor Eddie Burke, Garda O’Sullivan said the defendant gave no difficulties and would be welcome to live at home.

Mr Burke called on the defendant to give evidence in his own bail application. The teenager said: “I don’t want to be involved in this activity. I didn’t have a choice. The person I owe money to is threatening my house and my family.”

Judge Mary Dorgan asked: “Have you made a complaint to the guards?” Callum O’Driscoll replied: “If I do, worse could happen.” Sergeant John Kelleher cross-examined the defendant asking: “Why did you not give the PIN of your phone to the guards?” He replied: “I don’t know.” Also during the bail application, he said: “I don’t sell drugs, I just hold them.” He added that he was told that he would be paid €200 and that a €2,000 debt would be cleared for storing the drugs.

Judge Mary Dorgan granted bail on condition that he would continue to live at home, sign on three days a week at Gurranabraher garda station, keep a 10pm to 7am curfew, abstain from all intoxicants and not commit further offences.

He was remanded on bail until July 13 for directions to be obtained from the DPP.