Jail for man trafficked by gang to sell heroin

A 20-year-old Lithuanian man, who was trafficked into this country by a criminal gang to sell heroin on the streets of Galway, has been sentenced to eight months in prison.

Polito Antanas, of no fixed abode, appeared in custody before Galway District Court.

He pleaded guilty to having eleven separate heroin ‘deals’ – worth €550 in total – for sale or supply to others outside Pearse Stadium, Salthill at 11.40am on August 29 last.

Insp Kevin Gately said Antanas hid a yellow box under some ivy on a nearby wall when he saw Garda Noel McNulty approach him.

The man, Insp Gately said, had only been in the country a number of days.

Defence solicitor, Brian Gilmartin, said his client was very anxious to deal with the charge.

He said he had been lured here from Lithuania with the promise of a better life and a job but when he got here, he was given a phone and told to sell heroin. There were many more like him appearing before the courts every week, he added.

Judge Mary Fahy said these unfortunate people were allowing themselves to be used.

“They are being enticed into the country and are set up in a certain address.

“Unfortunately, the people behind it – on the higher echelons – are not being detained.

“The court has to send out a strong message. Heroin is a very serious drug,” Judge Fahy said.

She sentenced Antanas to eight months in prison which she backdated to August 29, when he first went into custody. Leave to appeal the sentence was granted.