An Englishman who imported a large number of ecstasy tablets has been jailed for six years. Peter Kennedy (62), of Woodlane, Heskin, near Chorley, Lancashire, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to importing the drugs and to possession with the purpose of supplying on June 11th, 2000.
Det Garda Brendan Casey told Mr Paul Coffey, prosecuting, that Kennedy was arrested at Dublin Port at 5.35 a.m. after leaving a ferry from Liverpool. Three packages with 16,667 tablets were hidden underneath his truck.
Det Garda Casey said Kennedy admitted being in possession of the drugs but would not tell gardai to whom he was delivering them.
Kennedy, who has 10 previous convictions for larceny-related matters in England, said he was approached by a man in Joel's restaurant on the Naas dual carriageway and offered the job. He said he was paid £2,000 "easy money" for his role.
Det Garda Casey said he was satisfied that Kennedy knew the contents of the packages and, although he was not the main man, he was a transportation link between England and Ireland.