A member of the Defence Forces charged in connection with the seizure of almost €27,000-worth of cocaine at Collins Barracks in Cork has pleaded guilty to a number of offences.
Shane Scanlon (34), of Cooline Heights, Ballyvoloon, Cobh, Co Cork, first appeared in court in March of last year in connection with the matter.
On Wednesday he pleaded guilty at Cork District Court to possession of cocaine for sale or supply at Collins Barracks, Old Youghal Road, Cork on March 27th last. He also admitted having cocaine for his own use on the same occasion.
Scanlon also pleaded guilty to money laundering in respect of found €2,250 at his home in Cobh and €1,100 at Collins Barracks.
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He also entered a guilty plea to being in possession of articles – namely a blender and a weighing scales – in circumstances giving rise to a “reasonable inference” they were for the purpose of commission, preparation, facilitation or instigation of a drug-trafficking offence.
Judge Mary Dorgan remanded Scanlon on continuing bail to appear before Cork Circuit Criminal Court for sentencing on February 4th next.
People convicted of having more than €13,000-worth of cocaine for sale and supply can face a minimum 10-year prison sentence unless there are exceptional circumstances.
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