Navan woman on possession of drugs charge after receiving 2.29kg cannabis package

A SINGLE mother of four with zero convictions found with 2kg of cannabis was told by a Trim Circuit Court judge: “You went hook, line, and sinker for one of the most serious offences”.

Amber Maguire (36), from Townspark, Navan, was in court on 28th January charged with possession of drugs for sale or supply. She previously pleaded guilty to the offence and was in court for sentencing.

Judge John Martin told Ms Maguire she is someone with an unblemished history but “you went hook, line, and sinker for one of the most serious offences”.

Judge Martin said “you are exactly the type of person who would be targeted” because of her financial vulnerability.

Garda Ben Garry told the court on 6th January last year a package containing 2.29kg of cannabis was intercepted in customs being shipped from Thailand addressed to Ms Maguire.

On 10th January last year an operative from customs and excise went to Ms Maguire’s address to deliver the package. Once the accused signed for the package the operative revealed their identity and a search warrant was executed. The package, which had cannabis worth €40,260, and a further €50 worth of cocaine was seized. She told gardai during interview she agreed to accept the delivery of the package for €200 due to her financial difficulties but did not know the value of the drugs being sent to her.

The court heard she works as a supermarket assistant and is a single mother to four kids, one of which is an adult still living at the home. She apologised during the Garda interview and said she regrets being involved. The court heard she also admitted to using cocaine recreationally. She was later charged and pleaded guilty at an early stage.

The judge said there are difficult issues to way up in this case beyond the “human emotion” of three kids losing their mother but acknowledged the havoc this would cause to her family. He also took into consideration the early plea and the fact Ms Maguire is no longer taking drugs recreationally.

Defending Barrister Colman Fitzgerald SC told the court the accused's mother has significant medical difficulties and Ms Maguire drives her to medical appointments while assisting her in various ways. She was at the time of the offence in a difficult situation trying to raise her children on limited means. There were letters in court from her mother and her employer, who was informed of her offence, speaking positively of the accused.

SC Fitzgerald told the court told the court those running the drugs business saw her as expendable and she is clearly someone on the lower end of the organisation. He also told the court this offence is putting the family in danger as it means Ms Maguire could receive a prison sentence. This would have a significant impact due to Ms Maguire being the sole carer of her kids and he asked the court to consider if a period in custody is necessary given the circumstances.

Judge Martin adjourned the case to 28th April for finalisation and directed for the preparation of a probation report to consider the possibility of community service. Ms Maguire is to keep the peace and give urine drug analysis once every two weeks.