Trial over €320k drug bust in Waterford reveals sophisticated system
A cannabis growhouse was discovered in Tramore by Gardaí. Photo: iStock.
A trial is continuing in Waterford Circuit Court over a man’s alleged involvement in a ‘sophisticated’ growhouse in Tramore.
William O’Gorman (35) of Priory Lawn, Ballybeg, Waterford City, stands accused on four separate charges of possession of cannabis, possession of cannabis with intent to sell, unlawful cultivation of cannabis and possession of cannabis when the market value of said drug was valued at over €13,000.
Mr O’Gorman has pleaded not guilty to all four charges.
On January 18, 2019, an armed support unit led by Gardaí gained access to the premises at unit 4D, Riverstown Industrial Estate, Tramore.
Gardaí discovered hundreds of mature cannabis plants, and a large quantity of dried cannabis in hanging baskets.
In total, the value of cannabis recovered was valued at €320, 000.
Gardaí traced Mr O’Gorman almost a year to the day to the discovery of the growhouse.
Unit 4D was described in court as having its own irrigation system, as well as electrical ballasts that bypassed the electric supply without alerting the energy provider, ESB.
On January 20, 2020, Gardaí presented a warrant at Mr O’Gorman’s address, and located the defendant in the sitting room.
He was cautioned and conveyed to Tramore Garda Station.
At Waterford Circuit Court, a jury of eight women and four men listened to testimony from members of An Garda Síochána, forensic scientists, and local witnesses.
Judge Eugene O’Kelly presided over the trial.
State prosecutor Dylan Redmond advised the jury that they had to convict the defendant beyond a reasonable doubt from the evidence heard.
Defence counsel John B Peart stood for Mr O’Gorman.
The first few witnesses were the owner and the auctioneer of the premises of the industrial unit.
A staff member from the auctioneer agency spoke about meeting Mr O'Gorman on two occasions; the first when he provided his ID and address for the lease, and the second when he visited the premises with his co-signee.
The owner testified having to visit the unit numerous times during late 2018 to follow up on late rent payments. He also said on the stand that he would call Mr O'Gorman over these rent issues.
On Thursday, the jury heard evidence from Dr Catriona Logan in relation to forensic evidence found at the unit on the day of the bust.
At the unit, Gardaí recovered a box of debris that contained numerous black latex gloves.
On one of the gloves sent for examination, Dr Logan discovered a DNA sample that matched the DNA profile of Mr O’Gorman. Dr Logan stated that the profile "1,000 million times likely originated" from Mr O’Gorman.
The trial continues.
