Man (23) caught with cocaine in his underwear ‘suffered racist bullying in school'
The defendant, who has one previous conviction for possession of drugs, was a front seat passenger in a car followed and stopped by Gardaí.
A 23-year-old food delivery driver who had cocaine in his underwear has been remanded on continuing bail for a probation report.
Nahid Duffy, Dowdalls Crescent, Newry Road, Dundalk, was before the circuit court for sentencing after pleading guilty to possession of 26.9g of cocaine for sale or supply.
Further charges of possession of cocaine and possession of 'magic mushrooms' are being taken into consideration.
The defendant, who has one previous conviction for possession of drugs, was a front seat passenger in a car followed and stopped by Gardaí.
It was stated that he got involved in drug dealing to feed his own cocaine habit.
Gda Daniel O'Connor testified that at 12.25am on April 5, 2021, he was observer in an unmarked car when he spotted a Ford Focus driving erratically after it exited Mourne View on the Dublin Road.
This car was stopped at McSwiney Street. It contained the driver, Mr Duffy and a third person in the back.
Gda O'Connor said he spoke to the defendant who appeared nervous. The car and its occupants were searched.
Mr Duffy took responsibility for a bag of 'magic mushrooms' and for €825 cash which was in the centre console.
Following his arrest and during a search at the garda station, cocaine was found down the accused's trousers in his underwear.
Stock image
News in 90 Seconds - June 21st
The drugs were valued €1,883, and the 'magic mushrooms' €110.
He told investigators that he used the mushrooms for anxiety. He also admitted using cannabis and CBD. He said the cash was his and admitted having the drugs for sale to fund a cocaine addiction.
There was one previous conviction for Section 3 possession of drugs for which a €150 fine was imposed in the district court.
For this case the DPP had directed summary disposal on a guilty plea only and the district court accepted jurisdiction. Mr Duffy initially pleaded 'not guilty'.
A booklet of mitigation was handed into court on behalf of the defendant.
Barrister Stephen Faulkner, instructed by solicitor Ciarán Mulholland, said that Nahid Duffy was of Bangladeshi/Irish descent and had suffered racist bullying in school.
He had no trappings of wealth. The money was to feed his addiction.
Judge Dara Hayes said that given Mr Duffy's age he would adjourn sentencing to November 11 for a probation report.
The judge said it was a serious offence committed while on bail.
Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme
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