A Dublin drug dealer has been convicted of transporting €6.4 million worth of heroin in his van.
Michael Byrne (36) of Old Tower, Clondalkin was observed by a Garda surveillance operation unloading the heroin from his van and hiding it in a park.
The jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court found him guilty after just over four hours of deliberation and a six day trial.
Members of Byrne’s family were directed by Judge Frank O’Donnell to leave the court after the jury returned their verdict.
Judge O’Donnell remanded Byrne in custody until sentencing next month.
In denying the bail application made on behalf of Byrne, Judge O’Donnell said that he was a man who had entered the witness box and gave evidence “that flies in the face of all logic”.
He thanked the jury of seven men and five women for their service and said that they had taken “great care” in doing their duty.
He said that the experience of the jury may remind them that, despite public criticism of the judicial system, they would now no doubt wish for a trial by jury should any member of their family find themselves before a court.
Byrne, a self-employed tiler, had pleaded not guilty to possession of 32 kilos of heroin for sale or supply in the Culmore Road area of Palmerstown on January 15th, 2008.
His trial heard from several detectives involved in the operation who said they saw Byrne collect the van containing the heroin before he parked it and began to move the drugs into a nearby park.
Giving evidence in his defence, Byrne said he would not identify the man who he claims he lent the van to or say where he lives or give a description of him because he fears for his family’s safety.