Ex-Ireland international and Premier League star caught after chase with over €4,000 in cocaine

A former Irish Premier League footballer is set to appear in court after being caught in a chase with over €4,000 worth of cocaine.

The ex-international was arrested after his car allegedly failed to stop for Gardaí in south Dublin in the early hours of Friday morning.

The vehicle was being pursued from Crumlin and ran through several red lights before stopping in the Chapelizod area.

The driver and a male passenger exited the car and fled, but were arrested after a brief foot chase.

During a search of the car, Gardaí found cocaine worth around 4,500 euros from the glove compartment.

Both men were arrested and taken to Crumlin Garda Station, where they were questioned on suspicion of possession of drugs for sale and supply.

The ex-Premier League star is also being investigated for dangerous driving offenses. The man he was dating is known to have an address in South Dublin and Gardaí are also known for drug dealing.

Both will appear in Dublin District Court at a later date and are expected to face charges of road traffic offenses and possession of drugs for sale and supply.

A Garda spokesman said: “Gardaí arrested two men (in their 30s) in connection with incidents of dangerous driving in Dublin 12 in the early hours of Friday morning 6 January 2023. A quantity of drugs was also seized from the offending vehicle.

“Both men were detained at Crumlin Garda Station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 and charged in connection therewith.

“They have since been released on bail and are scheduled to appear in court at a later date.”