Carlow woman caught with €3,500 cocaine said it was bought in bulk with friends
Carlow Courthouse
A CARLOW woman caught with €3,500 worth of cocaine denied dealing the drug, telling the court it had been bought in bulk with friends. Orla Ryan (45) of Little Barrack Street, Carlow pleaded guilty to four offences contrary to the .
Giving the facts, prosecuting Sgt McPartlin told the court that on 23 September 2025 at 1.10pm, gardaí executed a search warrant at the defendant’s home on Little Barrack Street. Cocaine valued at €3,500 was seized, along with a small quantity of cannabis worth about €80 and a digital weighing scale.
Ms Ryan admitted full ownership of the cannabis and cocaine. However, she denied that the drugs were intended for sale or supply, Sgt McPartlin said.
In a separate matter, the court heard that on 17 January 2025 at 2.30pm, the Carlow Drug Unit executed a search warrant at the same address on Little Barrack Street, where the defendant was found to be in possession of two rolled cannabis joints, valued at €30, and a grinder.
Ms Ryan admitted ownership of the two cannabis joints for personal use.
The court heard that the defendant has eight previous convictions, seven of which relate to the , with her most recent conviction for drugs possession at Carlow Circuit Court in June 2024, for which she received a three-month suspended prison sentence.
Defence solicitor Chris Hogan told the court that, notwithstanding his client’s previous convictions, when gardaí executed the search warrant two other people who were present in the house fled out the back door and over a wall.
He said his client remained in the house and co-operated fully with the investigation and answered all questions. However, while she entered a guilty plea, she did not admit to selling the drugs.
“A lot of people don’t understand the nuances between sale and supply,” Mr Hogan said.
He said his client had an addiction to drugs and in the past had abused cocaine and smoked cannabis.
In relation to the 23 September 2025 matter, Mr Hogan said his client and a number of her friends purchased cocaine in bulk. Mr Hogan outlined that Ms Ryan and her friends had purchased two ounces of cocaine, and despite the garda valuation of €3,500, it only cost the group €1,000.
“There were no baggies or tick lists in the house, or anything on her phone to suggest she was a dealer,” Mr Hogan said, noting that his client had made “remarkable strides since the offence”, which included attending counselling and carrying out voluntary work.
Judge Geraldine Carthy noted the defendant’s previous convictions and suspended sentences as aggravating factors.
Addressing Mr Hogan and the defendant, Judge Carthy said: “You have heard the comments this week made by individuals on how Class A drugs are having an effect on society.” She continued: “One would have to ask oneself, how many times does a person have to come before the court to stop.”
“I would be hopeful it is her last time,” Mr Hogan replied. “This is the first time in her life she has addressed it properly.” Judge Carthy adjourned sentencing until 20 January 2027 to allow for a probation report to be prepared.
