Thursday 29 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 10282Drug possession · Co. Laois · 29 Mar 2026

Cocaine seized during roadside traffic stop in Portlaoise

On Sunday 29 March 2026 at about 8pm, Garda Road Policing Unit officers stopped a vehicle in Ballyclider, Portlaoise, County Laois, after allegedly detecting a strong smell of cannabis. The 45-year-old male driver allegedly failed a roadside breath test and tested positive for cocaine and cannabis, and was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs, with further drug test results awaited. Gardaí allegedly seized cocaine with an estimated street value of €8,800. The man was charged with possession of drugs and will appear before the courts, as reported on 30 March 2026.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Charged30 Mar
  4. In court
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
  • Gardaí arrested a 45-year-old man for possession of cocaine during a roadside traffic stop.
  • Gardaí allegedly seized cocaine with an estimated street value of €8,800.
Where
The vehicle was stopped in Ballyclider, Portlaoise, County Laois.
When
The stop took place on Sunday 29 March 2026 at 8pm.
Cause
Gardaí allegedly detected a strong smell of cannabis and carried out a roadside breath test on the driver.
Investigation
  • The driver allegedly failed the roadside breath test and tested positive for cocaine and cannabis.
  • The driver was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs, and further drug test results were awaited.
Charges
The driver was charged with possession of drugs.
In court
The driver will appear before the courts.
Other details
The Leinster Express / Laois Live reported the arrest and charge on 30 March 2026.
8 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatGardaí arrested a 45-year-old man for possession of cocaine during a roadside traffic stop. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whatGardaí allegedly seized cocaine with an estimated street value of €8,800. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whereThe vehicle was stopped in Ballyclider, Portlaoise. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whenThe stop took place on Sunday 29 March 2026 at 8pm. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • investigationGardaí allegedly detected a strong smell of cannabis and carried out a roadside breath test on the driver. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • investigationThe driver allegedly failed the roadside breath test and tested positive for cocaine and cannabis. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • investigationThe driver was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs, and further drug tests are awaited. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • chargeThe driver was arrested and charged with possession of drugs and will appear before the courts. (leinsterexpress.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 30 Mar2026
    Chargedleinsterexpress.ie, first report
    Laois Gardaí seize cocaine during roadside traffic stop

    Reports the driver's arrest and charge for possession of drugs after a roadside stop, with the drug test results and an €8,800 street value of the seized cocaine.

    suspect, 45, male