A member of the Irish Defence Forces who was charged in connection with the seizure of close to €27,000 worth of cocaine at Collins Barracks in Cork has signed pleas of guilty to several charges including having drugs for sale and supply and money laundering.
Shane Scanlon of Cooline Heights, Ballyvoloon, Cobh, Co Cork first appeared in court in March of last year in connection with the offence.
The 34-year-old was back before Cork District Court today where he entered guilty pleas to a number of offences.
Mr Scanlon entered a guilty plea to being in possession of cocaine at Collins Barracks on Old Youghal Road in Cork for the purpose of selling or otherwise supplying it to another, on 27 March 2024.
He also admitted having cocaine unlawfully in his possession for his own use on the same occasion.
Mr Scanlon also pleaded guilty to money-laundering in respect of €2,250 at his home in Cobh and another sum of €1,100 at Collins Barracks.
He also entered a guilty plea to being in possession of articles, namely a blender and weighing scales in circumstances giving rise to a "reasonable inference" it was for the purpose of commission, preparation, facilitation or instigation of a drug-trafficking offence.
Judge Mary Dorgan remanded Mr Scanlon on continuing bail to appear before Cork Circuit Criminal Court for sentencing on 4 February next.
The accused previously surrendered his passport. He has to continue to sign on at Cobh Garda Station whilst on bail.
The DPP had decided that the case could proceed by indictment at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.
The charge of having cocaine for sale and supply when it it exceeds €13,000 comes with a mandatory ten year minimum prison sentence unless there are exceptional circumstances.
