A LIMERICK drug dealer who was importing vast amounts of cocaine into Ireland from the US has been jailed for 12 years – and his girlfriend for eight years – after the pair were caught with almost half a million euro worth of the drug.
Alan Graham (40) and Susan Ryan (25), Davin Gardens, Caherdavin, Limerick, pleaded guilty at Galway Circuit Criminal Court to the possession of cocaine for sale or supply at Glenbrack, Gort, Galway, on November 2nd, 2010, and to having another quantity of cocaine worth €210,000 for sale or supply at a farmhouse in Annaghdown, Co Galway, on November 4th, 2010.
Det Insp Gerry Roche told the sentencing hearing yesterday that Graham was a “trusted lieutenant” in the drugs fraternity who had access to vasts amounts of drugs, cash, property, a high-powered 4x4 and motorbike, as well as a speedboat on the Shannon.
The couple, who had amassed nearly €1 million in cash and drugs, were caught when Customs intercepted 3kg of cocaine worth €420,000 in six packages which came into Shannon via a UPS delivery from the US on November 1st, 2010.
Judge Raymond Groarke sentenced Graham to 12 years in prison on both charges to run concurrently and suspended the final two years on condition he came under the care of the Probation Service and not reoffend on his release. He sentenced Ryan to eight years on both counts to run concurrently, suspending the final three years.