22 May 2023

On this month’s Crimecall, Detective Superintendent Sé McCormack from the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) was in studio to discuss the growing countrywide problem of Cannabis jellies and the health risks they can cause.  Cannabis jellies are edible sweets that contain cannabis and are illegal in Ireland. 

The GNDOCB became aware of Cannabis Jellies in Ireland, after they made the first significant seizure of approximately €3.75 million in cannabis infused jellies, sweets and bars in July 2020. 

 

The packaging is bright and colourful which could make them more attractive for both children and adults who might mistake them for ordinary sweets.  The packages often have a very slight variation of a more recognisable brand. 

These illegal edibles are readily accessible through social media, word of mouth and simply by a text message.

 

As part of the segment Crimecall interviewed Dr. Sarah Killoran, Forensic Science Ireland, and Dr. Adrian Moughty, Mater Hospial, Dublin.

 

Dr. Sarah Killoran who analyses drugs seized by Gardaí, discussed the components contained in some of the Cannabis jellies seized by Gardaí. She explained that Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main psycho active component in the Cannabis plant.  But that not all edibles analysed contain natural cannabis elements.  Many of the sweets / jellies analysed contained a Synthetic cannabinoid which Dr. Killoran explained is a man-made chemical designed to mimic the effect of THC in the body.  There hasn’t been any research done in this area as they are new to the market. There isn’t any quality control and they are more potent than THC.

Packaging labelled as containing THC, Cannabis infused, or a cannabis leaf symbol on the packaging, isn’t always the case and you really don’t know what you are getting.

 

Dr. Adrian Moughty, Emergency Medicine, Mater Hospital, discussed the effects of cannabis edibles. In Sept 2020, he started to see presentations specifically to cannabis edibles.  He explained that if someone were to inhale cannabis, they would feel the effects within minutes and the effects would wear off within a few hours.  However, if someone is eating cannabis the time from ingestion to psychotropic effects would be delayed by a number of hours. As a result, people feel it is not working and may take more jellies which can potentially cause harmful effects.  He discussed the significant associations with psychiatric disease for example, schizophrenia. 

 

Garda Advice

• Sweets containing Synthetic cannabinoids and THC are illegal.
• Don’t take them
• You don’t know what is in them
• You don’t know where they came from
• They could become a stepping stone for further substance use

Gardaí at Wicklow Town station are investigating an assault that took place in Rathdrum Co. Wicklow on Monday March 6th of this year.

On the date in question at approx. 3.20pm the victim had just been dropped off by a school bus. She was collecting post from her family’s post box situated at the end of a long driveway when the suspect appeared from behind a gate and grabbed her by the arm. The suspect’s grip was not very strong and the victim managed to free herself and run away.

Suspect description:

• 6ft in height
• Large build
• Approx 50 years of age
• Piercings at top and bottom of right ear with chain in between
• Mostly bald with scar on his forehead and a cut on his nose
• Long brown and greying beard and a tattoo on one of his legs
• Wearing long sleeve t-shirt, green / yellow shorts and Air Jordan runners

Gardaí in Athlone, Co. Westmeath are investigating a burglary that occurred in Willow Park, Athlone at approx. 8pm on Saturday April 15th 2023.

On the date in question a person resembling the above image entered a house on the pretence that he was collecting rent on behalf of the landlord.

The occupant of the house handed over €220 in cash to this male suspect who proceeded to make his way uninvited, down the hallway to another room. He then left through the front door. Soon after, another occupant of the house realised that his laptop valued at €2800 had been taken.

Suspect description:

• Mid to late 30’s
• 6’ – 6’ 2 (182/188cm) tall
• Short grey hair and stubble
• Wearing a red and blue jacket.
• Spoke with an Irish accent

Gardaí at Raheny station are seeking the public’s help in locating missing person Joe Scally, last seen leaving his home in Raheny, Dublin 5 on Wednesday May 3rd at 11:30am. 

CCTV obtained during the investigation captures the last sighting of Joe walking in the direction of the Summit, Howth, Co. Dublin.

Extensive searches have been conducted in the area surrounding the summit including the Baily Light House to Balscadden with Gardaí being assisted by the Howth Coast Guard and Dublin Civil Defence which included the use of drones, search teams and dog units.

Garda Appeal:

• Anyone who may have seen 81 year old Joe Scally since the 3rd May when he last left his home in Raheny. 
• There was reported sightings of Joe on the afternoon of Wednesday 3rd May, walking in the direction of Howth Summit. Joe’s family and Gardaí are appealing to anyone that may have seen him at that location, to come forward.

Description of Joe:

• Approximately 5’11” in height, strong build, clean shaven and he had short grey hair and blue eyes.
• Last seen wearing a black puffer jacket and dark coloured trousers

The Gardaí at Carlow Town together with John Coakley’s family appealed for the publics assistance to locate 40 year old John, missing from his home at Carlow Town since the early hours of Saturday April 15th.Crimecall Interviewed John’s father, John senior and his friend Kieran who expressed their level of concern for his wellbeing and safety.

Inspector David Buckley was in studio and outlined that in the early hours of Saturday April 15th, John was captured on CCTV walking through Carlow Town Centre.  He appealed for viewers to move the investigation on from the last sighting of John at the Hanover bus park in the town and explained that Johns family and friends have been left shocked by his sudden disappearance.

The Garda investigation have been assisted in their search efforts by the Army, Civil Defence and the Garda Water and Air Support unit. John’s family and friend’s have conducted searches for him over the past number of weeks focusing on the Carlow Town area.

Last know movements:

Friday 14th April – approx. 11.30pm

• CCTV shows John leaving his home at Brown Street, Carlow
• He has his bike with him and two plastic bags

Saturday 15th April – approx. 1.55 am 

• John visits his father / step mother’s house on O’Hanrahan Avenue where he spoke to his stepmother

Approx. 2.15 am

• CCTV shows John on his bike in St Mary’s Park where he jumped a wall and ran towards O’Hanrahan Avenue.

John makes his way to Green Lane, walking towards the Town Centre.

• Turns right onto Tullow Street
• Turns left onto Potato Market
• Turns right onto Kennedy Avenue

Last sighting is at Hanover Bus Park (Carlow Coach Park) in the Town Centre.

Description of John:

• 40 years of age
• 6'2 in height
• Short black hair

Clothing:

• Black Gilet jacket
• Black polo shirt
• Denim jeans
• Back pack
• White runners

Garda Appeal:

• Were you socializing in Carlow Town on the night in question ? Did you see or speak to John during the early hours of April 15th or indeed since ?
• Did you see or interact with John after he was last seen on Kennedy Avenue opposite the bus station at 2.55am ?
• If you were driving in the area at the time, can you check your dash cam footage for possible sightings of John?
• If you are a farmer or landowner can you check your lands, especially boundary hedge rows and perimeter growths. Also persons that might own derelict buildings, out houses or sheds in the Carlow area to check these places. Maybe John passed through. 

Gardaí at Claremorris station, County Mayo are re-appealing for information in relation to the murder of Edward (Eddie) Fitzmaurice, Bellaghy, Charlestown, Co. Mayo.

On the 5th May 1998 at 6.45pm Eddie’s body was found in a bedroom of his home.  It was established that sometime between 8.20pm on Friday, May 1st 1998 and Saturday morning the May 2nd 1998 Eddie was injured in his home during a burglary.  He was tied up, gagged and left to die over a period of five days.

The murder investigation has remained ongoing for the past twenty five years. During this period of time it has been reviewed on an ongoing basis which over the years has resulted in thousands of lines of enquiry being followed and hundreds of statements taken. This has culminated in numerous arrests but as yet no-one has been made amenable for this crime.

Eddie Fitzmaurice was 83 years old and lived alone.  He ran his own drapery shop for many years.  Eddie was a popular member of the community, who went about his day to day business, in a quiet gentle manner.

Twenty five years on, An Garda Síochána are continuing to appeal for the public’s help.

Appeal: 

• Investigating Gardaí believe that with the passage of time and a change in circumstances people who have information may now be in a position to come forward now.
• Gardaí are appealing to anyone with information, however insignificant they feel it is to come forward and allow the investigation team assess it.

The Gardaí at Tallaght Station are investigating the murder of Stephen Lynch - Brookview Close, Tallaght, Dublin 24, Thursday 13 April 2017.  

Stephen got a lift from a friend to Brookview Close, where he got out of his friend’s vehicle. He then walked up to a silver Ford Focus hatchback and engaged in a conversation with the three people sitting in the car, through the front passenger window. There was some shouting heard and then the Ford Focus drove over Stephen injuring him. Stephen died from his injuries at the scene. 

The occupants of the Ford Focus, then abandoned it, and ran from the scene. The Focus was recovered by Gardaí and preserved for examination. One of the suspects ran down Brookview Close onto Brookview Park and towards Brookfield Road. This suspect was not seen after this.

The other two suspects turned left off Brookview Close and headed towards Brookview Avenue. They were then chased by some of the residents of Brookview Close. One of the residents tripped one of the suspects who fell and cut his hand. He managed to get up and continued running onto Brookview Avenue, where there was a dispute. This was believed to have been observed by a large number of people.

A number of persons, including those we believe to be the occupants of the silver Ford Focus then got into a 01D metallic red Volkswagen Polo hatchback. This vehicle then fled the scene and drove to Ben Madigan Road, Drimnagh, Crumlin, Dublin 12 where it was parked by a lone male and later recovered by Gardaí at approximately 9.30 pm on the same date.

This continues to be a live investigation, while some progress has been made, more evidence is required to bring closure to Stephen’s family and friends and bring the suspects to justice.

Descriptions of Suspects: 

• One of the suspects is described as a tanned male, approximately 5ft 8 inches, possibly black hair and wearing a green or navy rain jacket. 
• A second suspect is described as being very thin with a gaunt face, dark brown hair and wearing a red Bubble jacket. 

Garda Appeal:

• Were you in the Brookview Estate at the time of Stephen’s murder? Can you assist the investigation by providing that critical piece of information that will allow the investigation advance?
• We are making a direct appeal to those involved or those who know the suspects?
• It may be the case that with the passage of time or change in circumstances, people who felt they could not come forward previously may now feel more comfortable and better placed to do so.
• Stephen Lynch was killed in broad daylight in the middle of a busy street. He was a father himself and had a loving family. There was a large amount of children playing in the area at the time who witnessed the incident. Gardaí believe that the answers we are looking for in relation to this investigation are in the local community.
• Over 6 years have passed since this incident occurred. During that time people tend to reflect on themselves, allegiances change, people move out of the area and may now be in a position to come forward to assist with the investigation who previously may not have felt comfortable doing so. A large review into this investigation is being undertaken and all evidence is being re-examined. The cooperation of the community will likely prove to be the key that we need in order to get justice for Stephen Lynch and his family.

Towing a Trailer/Caravan

Category B Driving Licence

A category B driving licence allows the holder to drive vehicles having a Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) not exceeding 3500kg, designed for the carriage of no more than eight passengers in addition to the driver.

A category B driving licence is the licence you obtain when you pass your driving test. It’s the licence that the majority of people in this country hold and use to drive on a daily basis. It allows the holder to drive cars, suv’s, 4x4’s and vans which do not exceed 3500kg (three and a half tonnes).

A category B driving licence also allows the holder to tow a trailer behind their vehicle. However, this applies to a trailer with a maximum weight not greater than 750kg, or where the maximum weight of the trailer is more than 750kg, the combined maximum weight of the towing vehicle and the trailer is not greater than 3500kg. The holder of a category B learner permit may not tow any trailer – whatever the size.

If the combined maximum weight of the towing vehicle and the trailer exceed 3500kg, the driver will need a category BE driving licence. A category BE driving licence can be obtained after successfully completing a specific driving test. It allows the holder to drive a vehicle and trailer combination not exceeding 7000kg.

Whether you tow a trailer for work or for domestic reasons, it is important to know your legal obligations and ensure you do not drive a vehicle or tow a trailer that your driving licence may not cover. You also need to know the following:

• the towing capacity of your vehicle
• the load carrying capacity of your trailer
• the unladen weight of the trailer

You must ensure that you do not exceed these. The weight of the trailer and its load combined should not exceed the manufacturer’s specified towing capacity for your towing vehicle. To find out the towing capacity of your vehicle, consult your owner’s handbook or the manufacturer’s statutory plate affixed to the vehicle.

To find out the load carrying capacity of your trailer, consult the manufacturer’s statutory plate affixed to it for its MAM. The unladen weight of the trailer will also be on the statutory plate.

The RSA has prepared a short video clip to provide you with a step by step guide to trailer towing entitlements. The video is available from: www.youtube.com/ RSAIreland.

Examples of Trailer Offences encountered by Gardaí

This trailer was encountered in Dublin. It was overloaded and the load was unsecure. The trailer also had no rear lights or indicators.

This trailer which contained 30 sheep was stopped by Gardaí in Co. Wicklow. It was missing a wheel when encountered.

This 4x4 and trailer was stopped by Gardaí in Dublin. It was towing a trailer which contained a digger. The digger was unsecure and the driver did not have the correct driving licence to drive the vehicle.

The driver of this 4x4 which was towing a trailer and boat was encountered by Gardaí in Co. Kerry. There was no lights or indicators on the trailer and the driver was not licenced or insured to drive the vehicle.

Gardaí in Co. Clare detected this car which was towing a trailer travelling at 133 kph on the M18 motorway. The maximum speed allowed when towing a trailer is 80kph. Also there was no registration plate attached to the trailer.

This 4x4 and livestock trailer was stopped by Gardaí in Co. Westmeath. The trailer contained two horses at the time. Upon inspection of the trailer it was found to have two excessively worn tyres.

Speed

The additional weight of the load on the trailer must also be considered when you are deciding what speed is safest for your journey. Always drive at a speed that is appropriate to your experience as well as the road and traffic conditions. Be aware that the maximum legal speed limit for a vehicle drawing a trailer on any road is 80 kilometres per hour unless a lower speed limit sign is posted. These speeds apply even if the towing vehicle is a 4x4.

Tips for Towing a Caravan

If towing a caravan this summer the following tips may be helpful;

• Make sure your side mirrors allow you to see down both sides of your caravan. Attach extension mirrors where necessary.
• Make sure brakes and lights work correctly and that wheels, tyres, wheel bearings and the suspension are in good condition.
• Never allow passengers travel in the caravan when you are towing it. All passengers should always travel in the towing vehicle.
• Make sure you hitch the caravan to your car correctly ensuring safety breakaway cable is secured in place and in good condition. Packing up after your holiday can be stressful and it’s important that you don’t get distracted when hitching up your caravan.
• Drive at the right speed. The maximum legal speed limit for a vehicle towing a caravan is 80km/h.
• At some point you are going to have to reverse, which can be quite difficult. It’s a good idea to practice reversing your caravan before the trip.
• Your caravan will affect how your car performs and how well you can control it. In particular, towing a caravan increases the amount of fuel your car uses and decreases its ability to accelerate and brake. It is wise to practice towing a caravan on short trips before you attempt a long journey.