New charges brought against man in Cork drugs case

New drug charges were brought yesterday against a 45-year-old man in relation to the alleged seizure of a stash of cannabis, cocaine, and ketamine in Inniscarra.

Matthew O’Connor, of 3 Kelleher’s Villas, Inniscarra, was already charged with possession of cannabis and cocaine and having those drugs for sale or supply at his home on November 28, 2025.

Yesterday he was freshly charged with having a third drug — ketamine — and having it for the purpose of sale or supply. The most serious charge brought against him was the new count under the Misuse of Drugs Act which specifies that the combined value of cannabis, cocaine, and ketamine for sale or supply exceeded €13,000.

This charge, with the threshold street value of €13,000 or more, carries a minimum sentence of 10 years, unless the sentencing judge finds there are exceptional circumstances.

Detective Garda Robert Kennedy brought all of these charges against Matthew O’Connor, who was represented at Cork District Court by defence solicitor Joseph Cuddigan.

Sergeant John Dineen said the Director of Public Prosecutions had given directions in the case for the charges to be dealt with at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.

Mr Cuddigan, solicitor, asked for a precis of evidence and a copy of the memos of interview to be given to the defence so that a decision could be made on whether Mr O’Connor would enter a signed plea of guilty or if a book of evidence would be required.

The case was adjourned until November 10 at Cork District Court for that purpose.