Sunday 1 November 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. 14311Possession of drugs (benzocaine) · Co. Laois · 12 Dec 2023

Man charged with possessing benzocaine in Portlaoise

Jason Hughes, a man aged 41 or 42, was charged with possessing 99.4 grams of benzocaine found at his Portarlington address on December 12, 2023. The substance was initially believed to be cocaine with an estimated value of €8,000, but was later identified as a non-controlled mixing agent worth around €200. He first appeared in Portlaoise District Court in 2024 accused of having cocaine for sale or supply, with DPP directions awaited. In March 2025, the old charges were withdrawn and replaced with a charge under Section 183 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006, and the case was adjourned to April 14.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court17 May
    2 reports
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
A house was searched under warrant and a sealed plastic bag containing 99.4 grams of benzocaine was found.
Where
The alleged possession took place at 12 Railway Mews, Portarlington, Laois.
When
The alleged offence took place on December 12, 2023.
Cause
The substance was initially believed to be cocaine but was later identified as benzocaine, a non-controlled mixing agent.
Investigation
Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said DPP directions were awaited and described the alleged amount as large.
Charges
Jason Hughes was charged under Section 183 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006, replacing earlier charges of having cocaine for sale or supply.
In court
Legal aid was granted and the case was adjourned to Portlaoise District Court on April 14.
Other details
  • The substance was estimated at €8,000 when believed to be cocaine but has a nominal value of around €200 as benzocaine.
  • The accused is described as a retired Army Corporal and a scaffolder.
18 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatA man was charged with possessing a mixing agent that was initially believed to be cocaine. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whereJason Hughes of 12 Railway Mews, Portarlington, is accused of having drugs at his address. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whereThe accused lives at 12 Railway Mews, Portarlington. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whenThe alleged offence took place on December 12, 2023. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whenThe alleged possession took place at his address on December 12, 2023. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • investigationGardaí said DPP directions were awaited in the case. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • investigationA house was searched under warrant and a sealed plastic bag containing 99.4 grams of benzocaine was found. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • chargeJason Hughes is accused of having cocaine for sale or supply. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • chargeHe was charged under Section 183 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtA barrister for the accused asked for legal aid. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtThe judge granted legal aid and adjourned the case to Portlaoise District Court on December 9. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtThe man appeared before Portlaoise District Court. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtThe solicitor asked for time to review disclosure in the case. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtJudge Susan Fay granted legal aid and adjourned the case to Portlaoise District Court on April 14. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherGardaí said the alleged amount of drugs was large. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherA barrister said the defendant was an Army Corporal who had subsequently retired. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherThe substance was given an estimated value of €8,000 because gardaí had suspected it was cocaine. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherGardaí said the substance was not a controlled drug and had a nominal value of around €200. (leinsterexpress.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 7 Mar2025
    In courtleinsterexpress.ie, follow-up
    Scaffolder charged with possessing drug “mixing agent” in Laois

    First report of the charge and court appearance. The substance was initially believed to be cocaine but was later found to be benzocaine, described as a non-controlled mixing agent.

    accused, Jason Hughes, 42, male, named, irish (judged from name)Jason Hughes
  2. 17 May2024
    In courtleinsterexpress.ie, first report
    Former soldier accused of having drugs for sale or supply in Laois

    Reports a court appearance where Jason Hughes is accused of having cocaine for sale or supply, not the benzocaine possession described in the existing case. Adds age 41, the address 12 Railway Mews, the DPP directions being awaited, the legal aid grant, and the adjournment to December 9.

    accused, Jason Hughes, 41, male, named, irish (judged from name)Jason Hughes