Man jailed for 10 years for running mini-cocaine factory
A mini-cocaine factory was raided by drugs squad gardaí in Cork city and today the man who was making a living out of wholesale drug-dealing was jailed for ten years with the last two years suspended.
Detective Sergeant Lar O’Brien said that David Dunne (aged 22), was making a living out of drug dealing and stood to gain €20,000 to €30,000 from the €50,000 worth of cocaine with which he was caught.
Judge Patrick J. Moran imposed the sentence at Cork Circuit Criminal Court. Judge Moran said it was a serious indictment of a man to say that he was making his livelihood from drug dealing. The judge said it was all the more serious to see that at the age of 22, David Dunne was a significant drug-dealer. Judge Moran wondered where someone like Dunne would be in ten years time.
Det Sgt O’Brien said the drugs squad obtained confidential information related to drug activity taking place at 23 Arderrin Way, The Glen, Cork.
They conducted a search of the premises a week before Christmas at 10.30pm on December 18 2007.
“The sitting room of this house was being used as a mini-cocaine factory. A large steel compressor for compressing cocaine for wholesale distribution was found. We also found a vacuum packer, scales and mixing bowl.
“Cocaine and other white powder was found. The total street value of the cocaine was €51,170. He took responsibility for having the drug for wholesale distribution. He was mixing it with other agents to bulk up the value and maximise his profits.
“He agreed he was involved in drugs to make a living over a two-year period. He answered all questions but that did not extend to naming anyone involved with him or supplying the drugs to him. Finding that out was obviously our objective,” Det Sgt O’Brien said.
While he was not described as an addict he was using a significant amount of cocaine and he had a difficult background, according to defence senior counsel, Tom Creed.
