A woman has been apprehended in Dublin, Ireland, for allegedly smuggling cannabis, claiming to authorities that she believed she was transporting a suitcase filled with handbags.
As reported by the Irish Examiner, 26-year-old London resident Yejieda Johnson was detained at Dublin Airport during the weekend with 37 kilograms of cannabis in her possession. She faces charges of illegal importation and drug possession, with intentions to distribute.
The Irish police force, Garda Síochána, estimates the market value of the seized cannabis to be approximately €740,000 or about $800,000 USD.
In court, Garda Tom McLoughlin argued against granting Johnson bail, asserting she was caught trying to hide the large quantity of cannabis. During cross-examination, Johnson maintained that she was under the impression that she was carrying handbags and denied any interaction with the cannabis.
McLoughlin emphasized that Johnson posed a significant flight risk owing to her lack of permanent residence or close family ties in Ireland. Johnson, who embarked from John F. Kennedy airport in New York, was supposed to catch a connecting flight to London from Dublin on Saturday.
According to the Examiner, Johnson insisted on her innocence in court, pleading for bail. She mentioned her established life in London, where she resides with family. Johnson informed the court that she was a single mother, formerly employed in a hotel spa and a coffee shop. She vowed to return to Ireland to vindicate herself, asserting, “I’m innocent, I’m not a criminal.”
Defense attorney Karl Monahan stressed that Johnson might endure a prolonged pre-trial period in Irish jail, potentially up to two years. He also highlighted that the exact nature and street value of the drugs were yet to be confirmed.
In a related development, another woman was arrested at Dublin Airport on the same day for possessing 10 kilograms of ketamine, a case that authorities have not linked to Johnson’s. The suspected ketamine has an estimated value of €600,000.
The Garda released an official statement to the Irish Mirror, summarizing the arrests and the substances confiscated during the separate incidents on Saturday, 2nd September 2023.
A Revenue spokesperson informed the Irish Mirror about the discovery of the illegal drugs, which were found during a search of luggage belonging to passengers from flights originating in New York and Amsterdam.
Yejieda Johnson was granted bail on a €1,000 bond and an additional €10,000 surety. As part of her bail conditions, she is required to provide her London address and contact details, ensuring her return to Ireland for the trial. Johnson is scheduled to reappear in court on September 11.
IN OTHER NEWS: Irish Officials Confiscate Over $3 Million of Cannabis at Dublin Port
