A drugs dealer moved to Galway city from his native Ballina, Co Mayo, because he became worried that the gardai were on to him, Galway District Court heard yesterday.
Eddie Corcoran (25), of The Acres, Knocknacarra Road, Salthill, was given two suspended six-month prison sentences and fines of £1,300 after he pleaded guilty to having ecstasy tablets for distribution.
The court heard he had 186 ecstasy tablets in a bag as he left his workplace on May 13th. It is believed the drugs were for dealers in Ballina and Castlebar.
Corcoran, a cook by occupation and an assistant manager in a Galway diner, pleaded guilty to being in possession of illegal drugs and being in possession of illegal drugs with intent to sell or supply. The court heard that Corcoran's apartment had been under Garda surveillance for some time and following a search, four grammes of amphetamine were found on the premises.
When stopped by gardai as he left his workplace he readily admitted to being in possession of nearly 200 tablets which were later found to be epherdrine and not ecstasy.
Garda Michael Staunton said Corcoran made a detailed statement and had fully co-operated, giving them the name of one of his suppliers. In his statement, Corcoran admitted dealing in cannabis, LSD and ecstasy.
His employer told the court yesterday he was amazed at "the other side" of his employee, whom he trusted enough to appoint as assistant manager, responsible for the daily cashflow and 10 other staff.