Wednesday 28 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. 4594Possession of cocaine for sale or supply · Co. Dublin · 20 May 2025

Venezuelan drug mule sentenced to two years over cocaine pellets

Johan Monzon, a Venezuelan man, was sentenced to two years in prison at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to possessing cocaine for sale or supply at Dublin Airport on 20 May 2025. He had swallowed 48 cocaine pellets, one of which ruptured and left him hospitalised for five weeks.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Verdictnot reported
  6. Sentenced13 Nov
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
11 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatMonzon became ill on a flight from Spain with severe seizures, and the flight was diverted to Dublin Airport. (irishtimes.com)
  • whatMonzon had medical complications over several weeks and was released from hospital on 1 July 2025. (irishtimes.com)
  • whenThe offence was committed at Dublin Airport on 20 May 2025. (irishtimes.com)
  • causeMonzon had swallowed 48 cocaine pellets, and one had ruptured. (irishtimes.com)
  • causeMonzon said he was struggling financially in Venezuela and was offered $3,000 to carry the drugs to Europe. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeMonzon was arrested and charged after leaving hospital. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtMonzon pleaded guilty at Dublin District Court to possession of cocaine for sale or supply. (irishtimes.com)
  • sentenceMonzon was given a two-year prison sentence, backdated to 1 July 2025. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherThe estimated street value of all the drugs Monzon ingested was €40,768. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherMonzon was co-operative after his arrest and made full admissions. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherMonzon's defence said he never received any money for the operation. (irishtimes.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 13 Nov2025
    Sentencedirishtimes.com, first report
    Venezuelan drug mule was hospitalised after cocaine pellets burst in stomach, court hears

    Sentencing hearing report. Adds the sentence, the court, Monzon's medical complications from ruptured pellets, his account of why he took part, and the estimated street value of the drugs.

    convicted, Johan Monzon, 35, male, Venezuelan, named, non-irishJohan Monzon