A GRANDMOTHER was handed a two-year sentence yesterday for possession and sale or supply of what the court heard was a dangerous drug, methylamphetamine, or crystal meth.
The artificially produced substance, more addictive than heroin, was in use predominantly among the east European community, who manufactured it here in a complex process, the court heard.
Helena Ginova (40), Green Lane, Desmond House, Tralee, and originally from the Czech Republic, pleaded guilty last May to possession of methylamphetamine (crystal meth) for sale or supply, and to possession of the drug, on August 5th, 2009, at her apartment.
Det Garda Eoin Donovan told Tralee Circuit Criminal Court some 183 separate deals of the drug were found in small zip-lock bags in a handbag at the bottom of a wardrobe after gardaí, acting on confidential information, searched the apartment.
The stimulant, known as “pico” in Czech and Eastern European circles, was manufactured by Czech nationals living in Ireland, Ginova had told gardaí.
Garda Donovan told prosecutor Tom Rice one of the core ingredients is contained in over-the-counter flu and cold medicines. “It’s a highly addictive drug, more addictive than heroin, which is a narcotic,” Garda Donovan outlined.
Crystal meth causes psychosis, anxiety and violence, and users break out in a rash and end up “tearing their skin to relieve the itch”, Garda Donovan said.
Ginova had told gardaí the purpose of what she had done was to get money to buy a headstone for her son’s grave in the Czech Republic. There was no reason to doubt this, Garda Donovan said.
In his plea, Brian McInerney, defending, said his client had lost her job here after her employer’s death. There was “great cultural and social pressure in the Czech Republic to erect a headstone”.
Judge Carroll Moran noted the devastating effect and insidious nature of crystal meth. Because of her guilty plea she was entitled to a discount. The proper sentence would have been three years.