Man was found with cocaine in a jacket pocket when stopped by police in Dungannon
Police noticed a smell of cannabis emanating from the driver of a car they stopped in Dungannon, the local magistrates court has heard.
Marius Gonta, aged 30, from Northland Village in the town, was fined a total of £500 and ordered to pay a £15 offender’s levy for unlawfully having in his possession quantities of cocaine and herbal cannabis.
The court heard the offences came to light when police stopped a vehicle at Killymaddy Hill at approximately 8pm on November 22 this year.
Prosecuting counsel said on smelling cannabis emanating from Gonta they carried out a search and located a two bags containing cocaine in the pocket of a jacket in the rear of the vehicle.
The lawyer said the defendant was arrested and taken to custody and a search at his home address located a quantity of herbal cannabis.
When interviewed about the matter, Gonta said the drugs were for personal use.
Counsel told the coourt that approximately two grams of cocaine worth £120 and 54 grams of herbal cannabis worth £540 were seized.
A defence solicitor emphasised that the defendant had cooperated with the police and had been very candid with them.
He stressed Gonta accepted that it was a criminal matter and he appreciated the seriousness of the charges.
The solicitor added that the defendant is not involved in any kind of organisation and lived alone and has employment.
Imposing the fines, District Judge Barney McElholm also made an order for the destruction of the cocaine and herbal cannabis.