Lithuanian dealer swallowed heroin bags
A teenager, trafficked into this country to sell heroin, put his own life in danger by swallowing bags of the drug when approached by two gardai.
Judge Mary Fahy said the Lithuanian youngster, who had only been in Ireland a month, had risked his life rather than co-operate with Gardaí.
“They are dispensable. This is a form of human trafficking. They’re afraid to give information,” the judge said.
Vaidas Dargis(18), with an address at 7 Snipe Lawn, Newcastle, appeared in custody before Galway District Court where he pleaded guilty to obstructing Gardai during the course of a drugs search and having heroin in his possession at Lough Atalia Road, Galway on March 12 last.
The court heard Dargis chewed and swallowed the bags when two Gardai approached him.
He was arrested and later admitted having the heroin in his possession and swallowing it.
“He’s one more of these defendants with the same address. They come in from another country and here a few days before they are caught,” Judge Fahy said.
“It’s an ongoing issue. When one is taken off the streets (by Gardai), he’s replaced almost straight away. They’re instructed to get rid of the drugs,” insp. Gately said.
Defence solicitor, Brian Gilmartin said his client had been given a job offer but when he arrived in Ireland, he was given a phone and heroin to sell instead.
“They all come in and plead guilty but someone else is behind it at a higher level,” Judge Fahy said.
She sentenced Dargis to five months in prison and backdated the sentence to March 13, when he first went into custody.
She refused to suspend the sentence, saying the charges were too serious and there were too many such people.
“The court has to put out the message. This is too serious,” the judge added.