Dublin pair facing trial after gardaí probe drug-dealing 'app' in city centre

Daniel O'Connell (25) is alleged to have offered drugs for sale to an undercover garda on O'Connell Street, while Jason Brennan (25) is accused of acting as a "spotter" and carrying the bag.

Judge Bryan Smyth adjourned their cases at Dublin District Court for the preparation of a book of evidence.

Mr O'Connell, of Sean Treacy House, Empress Place, and Mr Brennan, from James Larkin House, both in the north inner city, are charged with possession of drugs for sale or supply.

The offences are alleged to have happened on April 14, 2018.

The DPP consented to the case being dealt with in the district court subject to the judge considering jurisdiction.

Mr Brennan's case was first to be called. Garda Sergeant Michelle Lynch said officers were investigating an app advertising controlled drugs for sale in the city centre.

A garda went to O'Connell Street Upper where he was approached by the co-accused, who offered cocaine for sale and was arrested. Mr Brennan was allegedly working in tandem with the co-accused, as a spotter who was keeping an eye out for gardaí.

It was alleged he was carrying a bag containing the majority of the drugs. These were €2,252 of cannabis, €595 of cocaine and €558 of ecstasy.

Judge Smyth said he was refusing jurisdiction, based on the valuation of the drugs.

State solicitor Jonathan Antoniotti asked for an adjournment to February.

Sgt Lynch said Mr O'Connell had a slightly different role in relation to the alleged facts, but the valuations were the same. She said a garda made his way to O'Connell Street where Mr O'Connell allegedly offered him drugs for sale.

Judge Smyth also refused jurisdiction in his case and adjourned it to the same date.