Californian jailed after 2,000 THC capsules found at Dublin Airport
Eimear Dodd
A Californian man found in possession of over 2,000 THC capsules at Dublin Airport has been jailed for 12 months.
Ricky Adame (27) arrived in Dublin Airport on a flight from Chicago on January 11 last, but his luggage was delayed, arriving at the airport the following day.
When his baggage was scanned by customs, they found an anomaly which was identified as cannabis jellies, THC capsules and sachets.
An investigating garda told Tessa White, prosecuting, that only the capsules tested positive for a controlled drug. These capsules had an individual estimated value of between €11 and €25, and the total street value was between €22,000 and over €55,000.
Adame was booked on a flight from Dublin to Chicago on January 13. He reported his luggage missing. When he arrived to take his outbound flight, his lost bag was presented to him at customs and searched.
He was then detained and was fully co-operative following his arrest.
Adame, who has an address in California, pleaded guilty to possession of drugs for sale or supply on January 13 last. He has no previous convictions and has been in custody since his arrest.
The court was told Adame travelled to Ireland with a co-accused, who was found in possession of €240,000 of cannabis. The co-accused, who has already been sentenced, was described as a “more significant figure” to the court.
The investigating garda agreed with Marc Thompson, defending, that his client had no financial interest in the drugs and was a “bit of a patsy” who didn’t know the bag contained drugs, but knew it was something illegal.
It was further accepted that Adame was experiencing financial difficulties and was due to receive €2,000 for his role,
Thompson told the court his client was let go from his job and was experiencing significant financial hardship at the time. Adame is willing to leave the jurisdiction upon his release from custody.
A letter from Adame was handed to the court. Thompson said his client instructs that he is on an enhanced regime and doing well in custody. Adame has three children.
Judge Elma Sheahan said the aggravating features include the seriousness of the offending in and of itself.
She noted the mitigation, Adame’s personal circumstances and the difficulty for foreign nationals in serving a sentence in this jurisdiction.
The judge said the court also took into account Adame’s previous good character and his signed guilty pleas.
She imposed a two-year sentence and said “the court believes this is an accused who will not come before the courts again” and that there was an evidential basis to further encourage his rehabilitation.
The judge suspended the final 12 months of the two-year sentence on strict conditions including that Adame leave the country within seven days of his release from custody.
