Boy (16) charged over €15,000 drug seizure

A youth, who was 15 when arrested over a seizure of more than €15,000 worth of various illegal drugs, has been remanded on bail.

The boy, now 16, appeared at the Dublin Children’s Court on Monday facing charges under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

He is accused of possessing quantities of cocaine, heroin, cannabis, MDMA and alprazolam for sale or supply in west Dublin on a date in June 2020.

Garda Kevin Cooney told Judge Brendan Toale that the boy made no reply when charged last week.

There was no objection to bail.

Sentencing powers

The court was told the Director of Public Prosecutions had directed trial on indictment in the Circuit Court, which has broader sentencing powers.

Judge Toale heard the total value of the various drugs was €15,429.

The teenager, accompanied to court by his father, was ordered to appear again in February.

Defence solicitor Brian Keenan told Judge Toale the court would need to hold a preliminary hearing to determine the boy’s trial venue.

Juvenile court

The juvenile court has the discretion to retain some serious offences by considering a defendant’s age and level of maturity and any other relevant factors.

The defendant has not yet indicated how he will plead and remained silent during the proceedings.

The judge ordered disclosure of prosecution evidence to the defence.

Legal aid was granted.