A MEMBER of the Irish Defence Forces admitted his involvement in drug dealing and money laundering when he pleaded guilty to a number of charges in court today.
Shane Scanlon was charged in connection with the seizure of close to €27,000 worth of cocaine at Collins Barracks in Cork last March.
Scanlon, of Cooline Heights, Cobh, County Cork, signed pleas of guilty to several charges including having drugs for sale and supply and money laundering in Cork District Court.
The 34-year-old first appeared in court in March of last year in connection with the offence.
Scanlon pleaded guilty 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 March 27, 2024.
He also admitted to having cocaine unlawfully in his possession for his own use on the same occasion.
He also plead guilty to money laundering in respect of €2,250 at his home in Cobh, and another sum of €1,100 at Collins Barracks.
He was also in possession of articles – a blender and weighing scales – for the purpose of commission, preparation, facilitation or instigation of a drug-trafficking offence.
Judge Mary Dorgan remanded Scanlon on continuing bail to appear before Cork Circuit Criminal Court for sentencing on February 4 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 exceeds €13,000 comes with a mandatory ten year minimum prison sentence unless there are exceptional circumstances.
Shane Scanlon appeared at Cork District Court[/caption]
