A man in Dublin, Ireland who was caught with almost €500,000 worth of cannabis told authorities he was attempting to pay off gambling debts. [Image: Shutterstock.com]

After executing a search warrant on 43-year-old Toma Dani’s home, Gardai, the national police and security force of Ireland, found him attempting to dispose of a large amount of the drugs in a bid to escape justice. The total amount of drugs found at the car park and at his home was valued at €474,000 ($500,000).

Dani was sentenced to four years and six months in prison

After pleading guilty to possession of drugs for sale of supply, Dani was sentenced to four years and six months in prison.

In addition to the drugs, Gardai also recovered €6,370 ($6,731) in cash from the profits of the drug sales, as well as paraphernalia such as bags and scales.

Speaking to the arresting officers, Dani said he had €100,000 ($105,000) in gambling debts he was attempting to pay off, a number which had been reduced to €70,000 ($74,000) over the previous year. He also claimed to have a back injury which had prevented him from working.

Judge Orla Crowe stated that “day in and day out” the court witnesses the negative effects of drugs on communities and individuals.

A sentence of six years was initially set, but due to the mitigating circumstances of the debt, the lack of prior convictions, and his inability to work, the sentence was reduced to four years and six months.