Trainee carer (25) on d13,000 cocaine charge

Andrew Phelan

A TRAINEE carer has been arrested and charged in connection with an alleged cocaine raid on her west Dublin house.

Aisling Gallagher (25) is charged with possession of more than €13,000 worth of cocaine, as well as allowing her home to be used for the sale, supply or distribution of drugs.

Her Tallaght house was searched by gardai investigating a huge drugs operation in the area. She was granted bail when she appeared in Dublin District Court on the charges.

Gallagher is alleged to have committed the offences, under the Misuse of Drugs Act, at Cushlawn Park, Tallaght, on June 24. A co-accused has already been before the courts.

Detective Garda Fiona Morrisson, of Kevin Street Garda Station, told the court Gallagher made no reply to the charges when they were put to her. She objected to bail.

Making a bail application, defence solicitor Cahir O'Higgins said there was nothing to suggest that Gallagher would fail to appear in court.

The gardai knew where she lived and had been in contact with her "on and off" since June in relation to a police property application.

She had recently taken up employment as a trainee carer and her family was in court to support her.

Gallagher cried during the proceedings and Mr O'Higgins said she was "very traumatised" by what had happened.

Passport

Judge Anthony Halpin granted bail on condition that she surrenders her passport, continues to live at her home address and signs on daily at Tallaght Garda Station.

Bail was set in her own cash bond of €2,000 and she was remanded to appear in court again on January 20.

Her co-accused, Michael Gallagher (29) has had his case adjourned to the same date. He is charged with possession of cocaine with intent to sell or supply at Cushlawn Park on June 24.

He is also charged with possession of the drug for sale or supply, as well as having a semi-automatic pistol at Corrib Road, Terenure on June 27.

aphelan@herald.ie