Haul of cocaine and cannabis was to ‘share’ at Longford ‘birthday’ party celebration
Selman Momoh pleaded guilty at Longford District Court to being in possession of the drugs last year
A judge has requested a probation report on a man, who was caught with drugs valued at over €3,500 and who stated the cocaine was for his birthday party.
Selman Momoh (45) pleaded guilty at Longford District Court to being in possession of cocaine and cannabis for sale or supply on August 26, 2024.
Sergeant Enda Daly said Gardaí were on patrol and carried out a mobility device check on a silver BMW at 1.30pm when they received a notification the vehicle had no insurance or tax.
"Garda David Gerrity stopped the vehicle and he approached the driver and he got a strong smell of cannabis emanating from the vehicle.
"It was subsequently searched under the Misuse of Drugs Act and €1,400 worth of cocaine and €150 worth of cannabis herb was discovered," Sgt Daly added.
The court heard Garda Keith Dunleavy made a demand to Mr Momoh to produce his insurance cert and driving licence at a garda station of his choice but he admitted having no policy and he failed to present the documents.
Mr Momoh was arrested and brought to Longford Garda Station.
Sgt Daly said a warrant was subsequently obtained to search a property belonging to the defendant and during that Garda raid cannabis herb valued at €2,000 was located.
"He was subsequently arrested and interviewed and he said he purchased the cocaine to give to his friends at a party and he said the cannabis found in his house was for his own personal use," the prosecuting officer added.
Solicitor Bríd Mimnagh, defending, addressed the court and stated the drugs were for his own use, however, Judge Bernadette Owens replied wryly that it must have been a "very significant party" for his friends.
Sgt Daly said Gardaí carried out a search at Mr Momoh's property, under warrant, on November 8, 2024 and a bag of cannabis herb valued at €100 and cocaine valued at €20 was found.
"The defendant admitted ownership of the cocaine and cannabis herb and said it was for his own personal use."
Mr Momoh had 21 previous convictions.
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Solicitor Bríd Mimnagh, defending, said her client's liberty was at risk and she stated he had been on his way to work when he was detected and he usually got a lift with a colleague but unfortunately on this occasion he took a chance.
"He had a significant drug problem in that he was using and the reason he had that amount of drugs was it was coming up to his birthday and he was going to use it as a celebration in his eyes."
Ms Mimnagh stated she asked her client if he was still on drugs and she claimed he was 'honest' and replied he uses them now very rarely.
Ms Mimnagh said he is supporting his wife and family and while he has a 'very bad history' she asked if Judge Owens would consider a probation report to see if there is any light at the end of the tunnel.
Judge Bernadette Owens requested a probation report and a community service assessment and she also directed Mr Momoh to do a Pro Social driving course before adjourning the case until October 7, 2025.