A LIMERICK man caught with over €17,000 worth of cocaine hidden in his underwear is facing a possible 10-year prison sentence after claiming he was an “errand boy” for a criminal gang.
Evan McNamara (31) was stopped by Gardaí on Dublin Road, Castletroy, on March 5, 2023. During the search, he produced a cling-film wrapped package from his underwear containing cocaine, cash, and a mobile phone. The drugs were valued at €17,367.
McNamara, of St Columcille Street, St Mary’s Park, Limerick, admitted to Gardaí under caution that he was moving the drugs to help clear a debt.
The court heard that McNamara told Gardaí he was under pressure from criminal elements and feared for his family’s safety, adding that his debt had reached €70,000 at one point.
During a follow-up search of McNamara’s home on March 16, 2023, Gardaí discovered benzocaine, a cocaine cutting agent. He later took responsibility for a further €9,121 worth of cocaine found at his parents’ home on Flood Street, Killalee.
Prosecuting counsel John O’Sullivan BL told the court that Gardaí believe McNamara is heavily involved in drug distribution in the St Mary’s Park area and is trusted by associates.
Despite being unemployed, he receives a carer’s allowance and looks after his mother, who had a leg amputated due to diabetes, the court heard.
McNamara, a father of three, with 10 previous convictions, including eight for road traffic offences and two for minor drugs offences, told Gardaí he would take full responsibility for the drugs but he refused to identify the owners of the drugs.
He pleaded guilty before Limerick Circuit Criminal Court to one count of possessing cocaine worth over €13,000 for sale or supply, one count of possessing cocaine, and two counts of possessing drug dealing paraphernalia, namely benzocaine.
His barrister, Lorcan Connolly SC, said McNamara had made efforts to change his life and had engaged with community employer Limerick City Build, founded by businessman Ray O’Halloran.
McNamara faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years for possession of drugs valued over €13,000 for sale or supply, unless the court finds exceptional circumstances were involved which would result in a reduced sentence.
Judge Colin Daly remanded McNamara on continuing bail for sentencing on April 30.
