Man was 'stockpiling' cocaine during the Covid-19 pandemic
The defendant pleaded guilty at Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court.
A man caught with over €3,000 worth of cocaine claimed he had been stockpiling it during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Tom Tully, aged 40, of Scardaune, Claremorris, pleaded guilty at Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court to possession of cocaine for the purpose of sale or supply.
Gda John Hughes told the court that a search warrant was executed at Tully’s then residence at Elmwood, Claremorris on January 22, 2021.
Sweet containers containing €3,372 worth of cocaine, deal bags, and a weighing scale were discovered in the property. Officers also recovered €4,800 in cash.
Tully admitted to Gardaí that the drugs and items discovered were his but stated the cocaine was for personal use.
The court was told Tully was a cocaine addict at the time and had stockpiled the drug during the pandemic. However, this version of events was not accepted by Gardaí. Tully now says he is drug-free.
Barrister Mark Ryan, representing Tully, said the defendant had a “chaotic lifestyle” at the time of the offending.
The court heard how Tully told probation officers that he did not like having his money in the bank and would withdraw his wages as soon as they entered his account. He claimed some of the cash discovered by Gardaí were from his wages but he did not deny the charges before the court.
Tully has no previous convictions.
Judge Eoin Garavan noted the lack of previous convictions and said he believes the man to be “a decent individual”. However, he requested that Tully undergo hair follicle testing to prove his drug-free status and adjourned the case until February 26, 2026.
