Man described as 'senior figure in Cork drugs trade' pleads guilty to having cocaine, shotgun and ammunition

A 54-year-old Passage West man who was described as a “senior figure in the drugs trade in Cork city and across the south of Ireland” pleaded guilty today to having cocaine for sale or supply at his home, along with two slam-bang shotguns and ammunition.

Ian Hanlon of Maulbawn, Passage West, was charged with having €80,000 worth of cocaine at his home. Detective Garda Bryan English of Togher Drugs Unit arrested and charged him with having a stash of cocaine at his home on May 18.

Today the main drugs charge against Ian Hanlon was that of having this cocaine for sale or supply when its street value exceeded €13,000, the threshold for a minimum sentence of ten years unless there are exceptional circumstances.

Det Garda English prevously testified that officers of Togher Drugs Unit arrived at the defendant’s home on Sunday May 18. 

“Gardaí arrived at the property with a warrant. No persons were present. Gardaí made contact with Ian Hanlon (by phone) and invited him to return home.

“The cocaine had a value of €80,000. Mixing agent was also found along with a tick list with names and large amount of money (noted).

“At interview he said he has a debt of €300,000 and is now at a loss for the drugs on top of that. He is believed to be at the higher level of the drugs trade across Cork city and the southern region of Ireland,” Det Garda English said.

Ian Hanlon gave evidence in his original bail application: “Obviously, I owe money. That is why I continued doing what I did. I cannot do it anymore. I have to accept what it is now. I have no intention of doing anything. I am in enough trouble.” He was given bail on conditions, including his own bond of €15,000 cash, and an independent surety of €10,000, of which €5,000 cash had to be lodged in court.

Defence senior counsel Donal O’Sullivan said today that the trial date of November 30, which had been allocated for a hearing of the case by judge and jury, could now be vacated.

He asked for legal aid to be extended for a GP’s report, saying the accused had significant medical difficulties.

Judge Helen Boyle adjourned sentencing until March 3 2027.