Chef admits to bringing over €400k of drugs in suitcase to Dublin Airport
There was €404,520 of cannabis, weighing slightly less than 22.5kg, found in 45 vacuum-sealed packets in this suitcase.
Gardaí came across Kyle Lawrence (19) when they were investigating a report of trespassing in a car park at Dublin Airport
A chef caught with €400,000 of cannabis at Dublin Airport told gardai he was under pressure due to a drugs debt of €15,000.
James Fuery (32) of Brookview Grove, Tallaght, Dublin 24, pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis for sale or supply on September 25, last. He has eight previous convictions at the District Court for road traffic, theft and public order offences.
Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard evidence that customs officers at Dublin Airport stopped Fuery, who had arrived on a flight from Ibiza, after a drugs detection dog showed interest in the suitcase he was carrying.
€404,520 of cannabis, weighing slightly less than 22.5kg, was found in 45 vacuum-sealed packets in this suitcase.
Fuery was cooperative and identified the suitcase as the one he'd brought to the airport. He told gardai that this was the first time he had brought drugs into the country.
Gardaí came across Kyle Lawrence (19) when they were investigating a report of trespassing in a car park at Dublin Airport
News in 90 Seconds - 3rd June 2025
Fuery outlined to gardai his difficulties with cocaine and cannabis, and how he had relapsed into addiction.
He said he built up a drug debt of €15,000 and was under pressure.
The investigating garda agreed with Gerardine Small SC, defending, that her client was co-operative, entered an early guilty plea and has no previous convictions for drug offences.
It was further accepted that Fuery told gardai that he realised bringing the suitcase was wrong and that he was scared.
The garda agreed that Fuery said he was told that he had to have the money in 24 hours or go and get the suitcase and was apologetic.
It was also accepted that Fuery had no proprietary interest in the drugs and had no trappings of wealth.
Ms Small told the court her client had previously experienced homelessness due to his addiction issues and underwent rehabilitation.
Fuery later relapsed into addiction and built up a debt, when he was asked to take this suitcase.
Counsel said Fuery was genuinely concerned for himself and his family
A number of references were handed in, and members of Fuery's family were in court to support him.
Fuery has a good work history and is working as a chef while in custody
A governor's report was handed to the court. Counsel noted that urine analysis had been requested but was not before the court.
Ms Small asked the court to take into account her client's early guilty plea, noting that his previous convictions are of a different nature, and to show as much leniency as possible for her client.
Remanding Fuery in custody, Judge Elma Sheahan directed urine analysis and adjourned the case for finalisation to July 7 next.
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