A computer operator who handled £200,000 worth of cannabis for a major Dublin drugs gang has been jailed for five years. Richard Blacklock was caught after the 20kg of cannabis had been posted to the wrong address.
Blacklock (26), of Cherry Avenue, Swords, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to having cannabis with intent to supply at Beresford Place in the city centre on July 21st, 1998.
Garda Sinead Power said gardai had been contacted by the owners of the premises to which the cannabis was originally sent in error. They resealed the package and sent it to its intended destination. Blacklock and a co-accused collected the drugs and were later arrested. Blacklock made a full confession and told gardai he had already handled two other shipments for the gang.
Defence counsel Mr Paul McDermott SC said Blacklock had worked as a quality control officer for a computer company and had a continuous work record since he left school. He had become involved with the drugs cartel through his nephew.
Judge Elizabeth Dunne suspended the last 3 1/2 years of the sentence and said the court took Blacklock's guilty plea into account.