€6,100 of cannabis found in County Waterford residence

A Waterford man who pleaded guilty to one count of possession of drugs for sale or supply was sentenced last week at Waterford Circuit Court.

James John Woollven, of Clough Kereen, Villerstown, Cappoquin, had €6,100 worth of cannabis in his residence when it was searched by gardaí in 2024.

A search warrant was obtained for the property of 36-year-old Woollven on December 3, 2024. 

Gardai suspected him to be involved in the sale or supply of drugs after his name was found in the phones of other individuals. An intelligence led search was then carried out at Woollven's residence, where his elderly mother was also residing.

Upon entry, Gardaí found Woollven in the bathroom attempting to conceal cannabis. Cannabis was also found inside a protein tub.

The total quantity of cannabis found was valued at €6,100.

Woollven was arrested and interviewed by Gardaí. He made no comments.

Defence Counsel Tom Giles Kelly BL, told Judge Eugene O’Kelly that Woollven had come to no adverse gardaí attention since the search and is employed full time.

Judge O’Kelly outlined however that Woollven had not been cooperative during the investigation and that he refused to give his mobile phone pin to Gardaí.

In sentencing the man, Judge O’Kelly took into consideration his stable familial relationships and that he lives with his 79-year-old mother.

He received a sentence of two years and three months which was fully suspended.

Judge O’Kelly said that Woollven “would not get a suspended sentence on the next occasion”.