Testing delay in State lab could cause collapse of Offaly suspected cocaine case

A PROSECUTION involving an alleged €20,000 worth of cocaine is in danger of collapsing because of a delay in analysing suspected drug samples.

Jodie/Jody Canavan (25), Brosna View, Kilbeggan, is accused of having cocaine for supply at Tesco car park, Cloncollig, Tullamore on March 23 last year.

Mr Canavan is also being prosecuted by Garda Adrian Hughes for not displaying tax on a vehicle at the same location on the same date.

Requesting an adjournment at Tullamore District Court, Sergeant James O'Sullivan said the gardai had been in contact with Forensic Science Ireland three times in relation to analysis of a sample which had been sent but there was still a delay with the laboratory.

Defending solicitor Ashling Maloney said she had no difficulty with an adjournment.

Judge Cody granted an adjournment to March 1 next but said he would consider striking out the prosecution on that date if instructions were not forthcoming from the DPP because a year will have passed since the date of the alleged offence.