Truck driver Damian Bogusz has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison after authorities discovered two holdalls containing 36 kilos of cocaine in his truck at Rosslare Europort.
The cocaine, which has an estimated street value of €2.1 million, was seized by Gardaí when Bogusz’s vehicle was searched upon arrival from Cherbourg.
The 47-year-old driver, residing in Dunmore East, County Waterford, admitted possession of the drugs with intent to sell or supply but claimed he had expected only €200 in payment for transporting the bags.
Bogusz explained to Gardaí that he was approached by a couple at a petrol station in Spain who persuaded him to take the bags to Ireland, saying they contained books needed for a student’s studies.
Detective Garda Pat O’Brien informed Wexford Circuit Court that Bogusz did not appear to lead an extravagant lifestyle, suggesting he was unlikely to have been the primary figure in the operation. The handover of the bags was reportedly set to take place at a roundabout near the Rosslare ferry port; however, Bogusz was intercepted by authorities shortly after disembarking with a separate meat consignment.
Judge James McCourt expressed surprise at how such a high-value consignment could fit in the small space of two holdalls. He handed down a five-year sentence, with the final 18 months suspended, recognising the seriousness of the offence due to the large number of drugs involved.
