Cocaine, MDMA, cash and 'tick list' found in drugs search

Gardaí recovered €5,000 of cocaine, MDMA and cash, together with a suspected drugs “tick list” during the course of a planned search of a house in Mullingar eight months ago, a court has heard.

Riccardo Lingi (23) with an address at 185 Belvedere Hills, Mullingar, Westmeath appeared at last week’s sitting of Mullingar District Court to face four charges arising from the planned operation at his home on October 23 last year.

Sgt Sheila Kenny said officers attached to the Westmeath Drugs Unit made the discovery on foot of a search warrant. She said a quantity of cocaine and MDMA was found in a bedroom and the seized items were placed in an evidence bag before being labelled for further analysis.

In the wake of that analysis, Sgt Kenny said the suspected drugs were confirmed as being cocaine and MDMA, and were valued at almost €3,000.

The court was also told cash totalling approximately €2,650 was retrieved alongside deal bags and a tick list.

Mr Lingi was subsequently charged with the unlawful possession of drugs under section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act and its more serious section 15 sale or supply equivalent.

Hearing the state evidence, Judge Owens accepted jurisdiction, allowing the case to be disposed of in the District Court.

Diarmuid Quinn, for Mr Lingi, said he had “put a proposal” to Sgt Kenny prior to the commencement of court business, adding the state might require further time to consider that proposition.

Mr Quinn added he would also put that suggestion to the state in writing over the coming days.

Sgt Kenny asked for the case to be adjourned for a further three months, to consider Mr Quinn’s approach.

Judge Owens remanded Mr Lingi on bail to Mullingar District Court on September 18, when a plea or date for hearing is expected to be made known.