Motorist who tested positive for drug driving in Longford had drugs grinder in his car

A motorist, who tested positive for drug driving and was found with a grinder in his car with traces of cannabis in county Longford has been disqualified from driving for one year.
Abel Phillips (23) of 17 Millbrook, Portlaoise, Co Laois pleaded guilty to being in possession of the implement in his vehicle on the Dublin Road, Glack, county Longford on April 11, 2023.

Sgt Enda Daly said Gardaí were carrying out a speed check when they stopped the defendant in the area and they spoke to him.
There were a number of occupants in the car and officers got a smell of cannabis and carried out a search of the vehicle.
Gardaí found the grinder and cannabis valued at €50 under the driver's seat and Mr Phillips admitted the grinder was his, but he denied owning the drugs.
The defendant, who moved to Ireland seven years ago, was asked to provide an oral fluid saliva sample which tested positive for cannabis and cocaine.

However, a blood test that subsequently took place at Longford Garda Station returned a positive reading for cannabis alone.
Mr Phillips had one previous conviction.
Solicitor Frank Gearty said his client, who is unemployed, had been fully covered by insurance and he had learnt his lesson and he stressed that the cannabis in his system was on the lower end.

"The blood test that mattered only had a positive reading for cannabis," he added.

Judge Bernadette Owens imposed a one year driving ban on Mr Phillips and a €500 fine with nine months to pay.

Read next: https://www.longfordleader.ie/news/local-news/1753553/longford-man-caught-drug-driving-on-three-separate-occasions-inside-twelve-months.html