A MAN found with heroin worth £14,000 when gardai forced their way into a flat has been jailed for 7 1/2 years. Martin O'Halloran (21) was part of a major network directed by a Ballyfermot drugs dealer, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court was told.
Sgt Martin Walsh told Mr Conor Devalley, prosecuting, he also found £1,400 in cash, as well as tinfoil, scales and cardboard at the Palmerstown flat. O'Halloran, of Gallenstown Drive, Tallaght, pleaded guilty to having the heroin for sale or supply on November 29th, 1996.
Sgt Walsh said O'Halloran was present when gardai entered with a search warrant. He accepted responsibility for the heroin and other items.
Mr Felix McEnroy, defending, said his client had a chronic drug addiction at the time. Since then he lived with his parents who were helping to wean him off heroin.