A TAXI passenger was allegedly caught travelling around Dublin with a “mobile drug-dealing kit” in a school bag, a court has heard.
Michael Hannon, 22, of Distillery Road, Dublin 3, was charged with possessing cocaine and cannabis for sale or supply on September 28 at Alfie Byrne Road, in the city’s north side.
The drugs had a combined value of €16,176.
He was refused bail by Judge Alan Mitchell at Dublin District Court.
Swords Garda Ultan Larney said he and colleagues conducted a proactive checkpoint and stopped a taxi at around 10.45 pm.
He claimed that there was a smell of cannabis and that the accused was the only passenger and appeared nervous.
The court heard the accused had a backpack or school bag.
It was searched and allegedly contained cocaine valued at around €7,890 and just over €8,000 worth of cannabis.
The garda maintained the man was caught “red-handed” and that there was also €2,180 cash, a weighing scales, two mobile phones and bagging in the backpack.
Garda Larney described it as a “mobile drug-dealing kit”.
He alleged that phone analysis led to evidence about dealing and special rates, and he believed the accused was out selling drugs.
Questioned by defence solicitor Wayne Kenny about the value stated, he accepted that the seizure had yet to be analysed.
However, he said he estimated it from the weight.
PRESUMPTION OF INNOCENCE
Mr Kenny said his client was in full-time employment and a father of one.
He added that his client, who has the presumption of innocence, could be left in custody until 2027 when his trial is heard.
Pleading for bail, Mr Kenny said his client had family in court and would abide by conditions.
However, Judge Mitchell denied the application and remanded him in custody to appear again on Friday.
