Friday 30 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. 14116Possession of unprescribed drugs · Co. Laois · 26 Jan 2024

Man admits bringing unprescribed Xanax into Laois garda station

On January 26, 2024, Johnny Nevin (24) of Mountmellick went to Portlaoise Garda Station to sign on for bail, where gardaí noticed a strong smell of cannabis, searched him and found 26 Xanax tablets he had no prescription for. Nevin admitted having the tablets at the station. Gardaí told the court he has minor road traffic convictions and one for sale or supply of drugs. Judge Susan Fay ordered a probation report, referred him to the Athy Alternative Project and granted legal aid, and the case was adjourned to Portlaoise District Court on December 12. No sentence has been reported.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court28 Mar
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
Johnny Nevin, 24, admitted having 26 Xanax tablets for which he had no prescription.
Where
The tablets were found at Portlaoise Garda Station, Laois.
When
The offence took place on January 26, 2024.
Cause
He went to the station to sign on as a bail condition.
Investigation
Gardaí noticed a strong smell of cannabis and searched him.
Charges
He admitted possessing the unprescribed Xanax tablets, which is an offence of possession of unprescribed drugs.
In court
  • Judge Susan Fay ordered a probation report and referred him to the Athy Alternative Project.
  • Legal aid was granted and the case was adjourned to Portlaoise District Court on December 12.
Other details
  • Gardaí said he has a number of minor road traffic convictions and one conviction for sale or supply of drugs.
  • His solicitor said he has suffered from PTSD after a serious knife attack years earlier.
9 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatGardaí found 26 Xanax tablets for which he had no prescription. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whereThe man went to Portlaoise Garda Station to sign on for bail. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whenThe offence took place on January 26, 2024. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • investigationGardaí noticed a strong smell of cannabis and searched him. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • chargeHe admitted having 26 Xanax tablets at the garda station. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtJudge Susan Fay ordered a probation report and referred him to the Athy Alternative Project. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtLegal aid was granted and the case was adjourned to Portlaoise District Court on December 12. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherGardaí said he has minor road traffic convictions and one for sale or supply of drugs. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherHis solicitor said he had suffered from PTSD after a serious knife attack years earlier. (leinsterexpress.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 28 Mar2025
    In courtleinsterexpress.ie, first report
    Man brought drugs into Laois garda station

    Court report of the case: Nevin admitted possessing 26 Xanax tablets at Portlaoise Garda Station, the judge ordered a probation report, and legal aid was granted. The article adds the court outcome and the prior record of the accused.

    accused, Johnny Nevin, 24, male, named, irish (judged from name)Johnny Nevin