A lorry driver described in court as a "transporter of misery" has been jailed for 14 years after being caught with cannabis resin valued at €12 million.
Patrick Long (44), originally of Dundrum, Co Tipperary but with an address in Coliemore Road, Dalkey, Co Dublin, had pleaded guilty to possession of almost a ton of cannabis for sale or supply on May 29th, 2003.
The drugs were found on two pallets on Long's lorry when he was stopped by gardaí at Victoria Quay, Dublin 8.
Long admitted his role and that he was to be paid €40,000 for carrying the load. He also said he had previously been paid €20,000 for two other drugs runs.
Judge Desmond Hogan accepted assertions from Long's counsel that greed was the motivation for the crime. "It is a misnomer to simply call him a drugs courier," he said. "It seems to me he was more a transporter, a transporter of misery to the unfortunates who would ultimately wind up buying the drugs."
Long is to appear again in the court on March 7 thnext for a hearing as to forfeiture of his assets as a result of this conviction.