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

Portarlington man charged with possessing benzocaine in Laois

Jason Hughes, a 42-year-old man from Portarlington, Laois, has been charged with possessing benzocaine at his address at 12 Railway Mews on December 12, 2023. Gardaí first believed the substance was cocaine worth €8,000, but later said it was a non-controlled mixing agent with a nominal value of around €200. A house was searched under warrant and a sealed bag containing 99.4 grams of benzocaine was found. He appeared before Portlaoise District Court, where his solicitor asked for time to review disclosure, and Judge Susan Fay granted legal aid and adjourned the case to Portlaoise District Court on April 14.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court7 Mar
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
A man was charged with possessing benzocaine, a mixing agent that was initially believed to be cocaine.
Where
The accused, Jason Hughes, lives at 12 Railway Mews, Portarlington, Laois.
When
  • The alleged possession took place at his address on December 12, 2023.
  • The charge and court appearance were first reported in March 2025.
Investigation
  • Gardaí searched a house under warrant and found a sealed plastic bag containing 99.4 grams of benzocaine.
  • Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said old drug possession charge sheets were being withdrawn by the State and replaced with the new charge.
Charges
He was charged under Section 183 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006.
Other details
  • Gardaí first estimated the substance at €8,000 because they suspected it was cocaine.
  • Gardaí later said the substance was not a controlled drug and had a nominal value of around €200.
In court
  • He appeared before Portlaoise District Court, where his solicitor asked for time to review disclosure in the case.
  • Judge Susan Fay granted legal aid and adjourned the case to Portlaoise District Court on April 14.
10 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatA man was charged with possessing a mixing agent that was initially believed to be cocaine. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whereThe accused lives at 12 Railway Mews, Portarlington. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whenThe alleged possession took place at his address on December 12, 2023. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • investigationA house was searched under warrant and a sealed plastic bag containing 99.4 grams of benzocaine was found. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • chargeHe was charged under Section 183 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006. (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)
  • 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, first report
    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