Soldier caught with cocaine worth 27,000 in his army barracks room is jailed for four years

Shane Scanlon, a 35-year-old former Irish army soldier, resigned after being caught with €27,000 of cocaine in a barracks room. Under financial pressure, Scanlon had been dealing drugs, with evidence dating back to 2021. During his arrest, gardaí discovered drug paraphernalia and over €3,000 in cash. Although he expressed remorse and cooperated with authorities, his defense argued for leniency due to his service and family circumstances. The court is considering a fully suspended sentence for Scanlon, who has a previously clean criminal record aside from minor driving offenses.

Mr. Scanlon used the army barracks as a "safe haven" for storing drugs as opposed to his home, indicating a premeditated approach to his criminal activity.

Defence barrister Ray Boland emphasized Mr. Scanlon's pride in his prior military service and his remorse for the shame caused, expressing a desire for a fully suspended sentence.

Read at Irish Independent