HEROIN ON INCREASE ON WEEKLY BASIS SAYS DRUG DEALER

February 2, 2012

A drug dealer who was caught dealing heroin on the streets of Letterkenny has said the use of the drug is on the increase locally every week.

Bernard Alcorn, 29, of 110 Meadowbank Park, Letterkenny was caught by the Garda drugs squad with three deals of heroin and €260 in cash at Gortlee, Letterkenny.

It is the latest incident in a series of drugs-related charges Alcorn has faced over the past number of years.

Letterkenny Circuit Court was told the 29 year old was followed by Gardai from the Glencar area to the bus station on the afternoon of March 10th, 2010.

Once there he was seen with two other men – both known drug-users.

He was approached by Det Garda Paul Harte and admitted he had drugs on him.

Garda Harte told the court that the drugs had a street value of €370.

The court heard that Alcorn, a separated father of one, had been using drugs for many years and had 36 convictions for various offences.

He told Gardai that the incidence of heroin in Letterkenny was on the rise each week but he did not know how many people were using the drug.

Barrister for the accused, Damian Crawford, said it was not a case that his client had been shipping in a boat-load of drugs under darkness.

‘He is a pathetic heroin user who was picked up by the local drug unit,” he said

Alcorn has pleaded guilty to the two charges under Sec 3 and Sec 15 of the misuse or Drugs Act.

Judge John O’Hagan said this was a tragic case as was every case of an addict but said people had a choice.

“This is very tragic and he has a wonderful family here to support him. Not always families come in.

“These are serious offences. Any drug is a cancer in our society and it if you could only see the devastation it causes and the state to which people are reduced who take it. They become absolute gombeens, The affects are massive. It is very destructive indeed. Those who are addicts are trapped.

“He (Alcorn) is a pathetic addict but is an intelligent young man. Is capable of making decisions. There is always a choice. There is an answer and it’s no – not to take it,” he said.

Judge O’Hagan sentenced Alcorn to two years in prison on the Section 15 charge and gave him credit for the time he has served in custody.

 


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