'Strong smell of drugs' Driver was arrested by Gardaí who found haul in footwell of car

A man who was found with a small quantity of drugs in Longford town and who offered to pay €300 to the court poor box, has had his case dismissed by a judge.

Martin Muntean of 12 Warren Grove, Boyle, county Roscommon pleaded guilty at Longford District Court to being in possession of the drugs valued at €20 at Oakvale on January 6, 2025.

Sergeant Enda Daly, for the State, said Gardaí were on patrol at 3.30am when they observed the defendant parked in the car park at Hanlon’s Gala.

Officers spoke to the defendant, who was driving, and there was also a second occupant in the vehicle.

Gardaí got a strong smell of drugs from the vehicle and a search was carried out on the driver and the car with a small amount found in the footwell.

Mr Muntean admitted the €20 drugs were for his own personal use.

The defendant had no previous convictions.

Solicitor Michelle Reynolds, said her client, who has a long term partner and is a dad of three young, had cooperated with Gardaí.
Ms Reynolds said Mr Muntean is currently unemployed, but he had brought €300 to court.

Judge Bernadette Owens stated if the money was paid into the court poor box she would dismiss the case.

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