Ireland Man banned for drug driving after cannabis found in car at Buncrana Pier
On the morning of Wednesday, 2 August 2023, gardaí stopped a car at Buncrana Pier, Co Donegal, where the driver handed over a tub and a metal box containing suspected cannabis later valued at €500. An oral fluid test confirmed cannabis in the driver's system, and a blood sample was sent to the Medical Bureau of Road Safety. The driver, Cian Stevenson, a 33-year-old man from Drumlon, Bailieborough, Co Cavan, pleaded guilty at Buncrana District Court to drug driving and possession of cannabis. As reported on 26 February 2025, the court recorded convictions, imposed a total fine of €350 (€200 for drug driving and €150 for possession) and a one-year driving disqualification, with the disqualification deferred to start on 12 August.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In courtnot reported
- Verdictnot reported
- Sentenced26 Feb
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- When
- The stop took place on the morning of Wednesday, 2 August 2023.
- Where
- The stop took place at Buncrana Pier, Co Donegal.
- What happened
- The driver handed gardaí a tub and a metal box containing suspected cannabis.
- The cannabis was later valued at €500.
- Investigation
- Gardaí noticed a strong smell of cannabis coming from the car.
- The driver was told that he and his vehicle would be searched under Section 23 of the Misuse of Drugs Act.
- An oral fluid test confirmed cannabis in the driver's system, and a blood sample was sent to the Medical Bureau of Road Safety.
- Charges
- The defendant pleaded guilty to drug driving and possession of cannabis.
- In court
- Buncrana District Court sentenced the defendant, as reported on 26 February 2025.
- Other details
- The court heard that the driver had two previous convictions.
- Sentence
- A conviction was recorded and a €200 fine was imposed for drug driving, along with a one-year driving disqualification.
- A conviction was recorded and a €150 fine was imposed for the possession charge.
- He was fined €350 in total.
- The start of the driving disqualification was deferred until 12 August.
14 statements extracted from the articles
- whatThe driver handed gardaí a tub and a metal box containing suspected cannabis. (donegallive.ie)
- whatThe cannabis was later valued at €500. (donegallive.ie)
- whereThe stop took place at Buncrana Pier. (donegallive.ie)
- whenThe stop took place on the morning of Wednesday, 2 August 2023. (donegallive.ie)
- investigationGardaí noticed a strong smell of cannabis coming from the car. (donegallive.ie)
- investigationThe driver was told that he and his vehicle would be searched under Section 23 of the Misuse of Drugs Act. (donegallive.ie)
- investigationAn oral fluid test confirmed cannabis in the driver's system. (donegallive.ie)
- investigationA blood sample was sent to the Medical Bureau of Road Safety. (donegallive.ie)
- chargeThe defendant pleaded guilty to drug driving and possession of cannabis. (donegallive.ie)
- sentenceThe judge imposed a conviction, a one-year driving disqualification and a €200 fine for drug driving. (donegallive.ie)
- sentenceThe judge recorded a conviction and a €150 fine for the drugs possession charge. (donegallive.ie)
- sentenceHe was fined €350 in total. (donegallive.ie)
- sentenceThe judge deferred the start of the driving disqualification until 12 August. (donegallive.ie)
- otherThe court heard that the driver had two previous convictions. (donegallive.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 26 Feb2025Man caught with €500 of cannabis is banned for drug driving at Buncrana court
Reports the Buncrana District Court sentencing: a one-year driving disqualification, a €200 fine for drug driving, a €150 fine for possession, and deferral of the ban start to 12 August.
convicted, Cian Stevenson, 33, male, named, irish (judged from name)Cian Stevenson