A man has been given a suspended sentence after explaining he had a large amount of cannabis as he was a “heavy smoker” and it was “cheaper to buy in bulk”.
Povilas Kisielis, 26, of St Matthew’s Estate, Keady, appeared at Armagh Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday charged with two counts of possession of Class B.
The incident occurred on July 28, last year, at around 6.30pm when police spotted three males leaving an address on the Glen Road in Keady.
Police stopped the car and noted a strong smell of cannabis.
When searched the defendant, one of the three males, was found to have in his possession approximately 10g of cannabis.
A search was conducted by officers of the Glen Road address they found a number of other drug paraphernalia and more cannabis.
When they searched the bedroom of Kisielis, police found a packet of crystals which they believed to be Class A at the time.
This was later tested and found to be a Class B drug – chloroethcasthinone.
In interview, the defendant accepted possession charges but denied ever having the intent to sell the drugs.
He told police that he was a “heavy smoker” and that it was “cheaper to buy in bulk”.
Defence counsel told court Kisielis had no record with regard to drugs offences.
They added that the defendant has lived in Northern Ireland for two years and had been a welder until shortly after this offence.
Court heard that Kisielis did have a job opportunity and is due to gain employment in mid-April.
Deputy District Judge Peter King sentenced the defendant to two months in prison but suspended it for 12 months.
