Cork dog breeder jailed for cannabis offences worth €67,000

Thirty‑three‑year‑old Richard O’Callaghan of 33 Liffey Park, Mayfield, Cork, has been sentenced to four years and eight months in prison, with one year and eight months suspended, after pleading guilty to drug‑related charges.

The Cork Circuit Criminal Court heard that police found bags of cannabis inside and outside O’Callaghan’s home in September 2024, with a total street value exceeding €67,400. The most serious charge involved cannabis worth more than €13,000, which carries a mandatory minimum term of ten years unless exceptional circumstances apply.

Detective Garda Michael Abernethy testified that a search warrant executed on 15 September 2024 uncovered cannabis in a shed, the hallway under the stairs and the kitchen. O’Callaghan, who breeds and exports Jack Russell terriers worldwide, admitted the 3 kg of cannabis was intended for personal use and to share with friends between September and December 2024.

Judge Helen Boyle noted an aggravating factor was O’Callaghan’s previous conviction for drug‑dealing and described his long‑standing cannabis addiction as causing significant difficulties. In mitigation, the judge recognised his full responsibility, potential for honest employment and supportive family.

Senior counsel Tom Creed said the accused was primarily storing the drugs for an unnamed third party, while spending much of his time breeding Jack Russell terriers for export.

Source: Irish Examiner. Photo: Lisa Fotios / Pexels.