Couple in court over Roscrea drugs seizure
‘I don't do sale and supply,” expressed a woman repeatedly to gardaí after she was found to be in possession of a large quantity of cocaine in her handbag.
Nenagh District Court heard that while in Circle K, Roscrea, on January 1, 2025, a member of an Garda Síochána detected a strong smell of cannabis emanating from an orange-coloured vehicle that was being driven by a male, who the court heard was George Amoah (25) of
Showgrounds, Ennis. When the guard approached the car to speak with the male, Mr Amoah told the guard his name was Patrick Amoah, and that he did not have a licence.
While the guard was speaking with this man, a woman by the name of Poppy Farrell (20) of Borris Meadows, Portlaoise, approached the vehicle. Due to her behaviour, which the guards described as “quite erratic” at the time, members of an Garda Síochána conducted a lawful search of Ms Farrell, which proved to be positive.
Twenty-seven bags, which were later proved to contain cocaine to the value of €1,582, were in a black ankle sock in a cross body bag, which was on her person at the time. A clear plastic zip lock bag containing a small quantity of cannabis was also found.
Ms Farrell was arrested under the Misuse of Drugs Act. €420 cash was also located in the vehicle in a bag that belonged to Ms Farrell, along with jewellery bagged in a similar manner to that of the drugs, and Ms Farrell’s passport.
During Ms Farrell’s interview with members of an Garda Síochána, Ms Farrell replied “not guilty”, and “no comment” to a number of questions. She told the guards that she didn’t “own them baggies” and that she does not sell and supply drugs, Nenagh District Court heard.
Judge Elizabeth Healy noted that when Mr Amoah was searched by members of an Garda Síochána, he was not found to be in possession of anything expect gloves.
Mr Amoah admitted in his interview with the guards that he knew about some of the cocaine and intended to take it.
CAME FROM UK
The court heard that Ms Farrell was living in the UK at the time and had come home for Christmas to visit a family member living in Portlaoise. She had previously met Mr Amoah through an online app and went to visit him in Ennis. He was bringing her back to Portlaoise and the couple had decided to stop in Roscrea on the way.
Judge Elizabeth Healy found Mr George Amoah guilty under Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act but not Section 15 – sale or supply. He came before Nenagh District Court with 10 previous convictions, with a previous disqualification from driving for a driving under the influence ofan intoxicant offence.
He was convicted and fined €500 with six months to pay. For driving without insurance, Mr Amoah was fined €300 with six months to pay and disqualified from driving for four years. Judge Healy noted his guilty plea and previous convictions.
RESTORATIVE JUSTICE
In respect of Ms Farrell, Judge Healy noted that the drugs were found in her possession in a bag that she had on her body and noted the fact “that it was made out in deal bags”.
Judge Healy found Poppy Farrell guilty under Section 15 and Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act.
Ms Farrell came before Nenagh District Court with no previous convictions and was referred for a probation report, to also include an assessment for her suitability for the Restorative Justice in the Community programme. Her matter is due before Nenagh District Court on July 23 for finalisation.