Dad-of-two accused of storing €33,000 of cocaine in lining of his couch
A father-of-two has been accused of storing more than €33,000 worth of cocaine in the lining of a living room couch at an apartment in Dublin.
James Tyrell (24) was charged following the seizure of drugs that gardaí believe were intended for distribution throughout the city.
Judge John Brennan granted him bail and adjourned the case at Dublin District Court for DPP directions.
Mr Tyrell, with an address at Convent Lawns, Ballyfermot is charged with possession of cocaine with intent to sell or supply.
Objecting to bail, a garda said members of the Dublin Crime Response Team executed a search warrant at an apartment at The Plaza, Parkwest Avenue, on June 10, 2025 and found a 'significant quantity of illicit drugs in the living room'.
Some 484 grams of cocaine were found concealed in the lining underneath a couch, the garda said.
It was alleged Mr Tyrell allowed the apartment to be used to store the cocaine to help clear a drug debt.
It was the opinion of the gardaí that the cocaine was intended for distribution throughout the Dublin area.
Dublin District Court
News in 90 Seconds - June 21st
The accused was arrested and detained under the Drug Trafficking Act.
Defence solicitor Niall O'Connor applied for bail on the accused's behalf, saying he was a 'suitable candidate' and the garda objections appeared to be based only on the seriousness of the alleged offence.
There did not seem to be any concerns the accused would not turn up in court if granted bail, he said.
Mr Tyrell was presumed innocent and could provide the gardaí with another address he could stay at. It would take some time to finalise the case, Mr O'Connor said.
Judge Brennan said it was a serious charge and the proposed evidence was strong but he was satisfied in the circumstances the accused should be admitted to bail.
Mr O'Connor asked the judge to take account of the fact that the accused was not working and was of limited means.
'He might have a couple of hundred euro available to him, that is as far as it goes,' Mr O'Connor said.
The judge set bail in Mr Tyrell's own bond of €1,000, with a €600 independent surety, or €800 cash in lieu.
Under conditions, he is to stay at Convent Lawns, Ballyfermot, sign on three times per week at Ballyfermot garda station and not apply for new travel documents after the seizure of his passport.
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