Limerick mother of three denied bail after €644,000 drug seizure

A Limerick mother of three was refused bail and remanded in custody after being charged with possession of cocaine worth over half a million euro.

Karen McGarry, 48, of Glendale Lawn, Old Singland Road, Limerick, wept in the Limerick District Court as Judge Valerie Corcoran ordered her to remain in Limerick Prison pending further directions.

Ms McGarry faces two charges stemming from a seizure on 28 October by gardai from the Limerick Divisional Drugs Unit, Henry Street Garda Station. The haul, valued at €644,000, was found in a shed and under her bed during a search of her property under warrant.

The charges are one count of possession of cocaine for sale and supply (Section 15 of the Misuse of Drugs Act) and one count of simple possession of cocaine (Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act). She made no reply to the charges.

Solicitor Cathal Quirke applied for bail, arguing that Ms McGarry comes from a respected family, has health issues requiring medical attention, and would comply with any conditions. Prosecuting Detective Garda Colm McHugh objected, stating he believed she would commit further offences if released.

Judge Corcoran considered the seriousness of the charge and the value of the drugs seized, and, while noting the presumption of innocence, decided to refuse bail. Ms McGarry is scheduled to appear again on 3 November.

Source: Limerick Post. Photo: Kabyle Sauvage / Pexels.