A Greek pizza delivery driver, Georgios Nikolas (46), pleaded guilty to unintentionally importing over €276,000 worth of cannabis into Ireland. Nikolas claimed he believed he was carrying tax documents for a business and was shocked to discover cannabis in his luggage.
Customs officials at Dublin Airport stopped Nikolas due to suspicious behaviour and found the drugs during a search. He cooperated fully with authorities and explained he was approached by an acquaintance offering €500 to bring tax documents to Ireland for a supposed tax benefit.
Despite Nikolas' lack of criminal history and cooperation, the large amount of cannabis was considered a serious offence. The judge acknowledged Nikolas' naivete and difficult financial situation as a single father working to support his son's education.
Considering the mitigating factors, the judge sentenced Nikolas to two and a half years in prison, with the final 18 months suspended. This leniency reflects Nikolas' lack of prior convictions and the challenges faced by foreign nationals in custody.
