Nurse facing disciplinary action over crystal meth allegations

Liz Farsaci

A nurse working at a Dublin hospital is facing allegations relating to the possession of crystal meth, and of ordering Sudafed using the names of various colleagues.

John Benedict Butalid de Lara (45) worked as a staff nurse at the Royal Hospital Donnybrook from 2003 until 2014, the disciplinary inquiry at the nursing board headquarters in Blackrock, Co. Dublin heard Tuesday.

The hospital provides rehabilitation services primarily for elderly people.

Mr de Lara, from Ballyfermot, faces an allegation of professional misconduct relating to the possession of methamphetamine, or crystal meth, in March 2014 and of allegedly ordering Sudafed using the names of other colleagues in May 2013.

An ingredient in Sudafed, pseudoephedrine, can be used in the making of crystal meth.

The inquiry heard that on March 31st 2014 Mr de Lara was arrested by An Garda Siochana following a search of a flat on Marlborough Road in Donnybrook.

During the search, Mr de Lara arrived at the flat and put a bag of something into his mouth, which he later spat out at the request of a garda, the inquiry heard. The substance in the bag was later identified as just over 2.4 grams of crystal meth.

The following day, Mr de Lara was charged with possession of a controlled drug, namely methamphetamine; and unlawfully impeding a member of the Garda.

The case was heard before the district court, where the charges against Mr de Lara were dismissed, after he paid €1,000 to a charity.

As part of the nursing board inquiry that began Tuesday, it is alleged that on three separate occasions, Mr de Lara ordered packets of Sudafed through the hospital pharmacy using the names of a number of staff members without their knowledge or consent.

At the inquiry, Mr de Lara’s barrister said his client admitted as to fact the allegations relating to possession of a controlled drug, and of unlawfully impeding a garda.

However, Mr de Lara denies the other allegations, including those relating to the ordering of Sudafed.

The inquiry is due to continue in February.