A Monaghan farmer has been fined €7,500, plus €600 costs, after he was caught in possession of a large quantity of clenbuterol, an illegal growth promoter commonly known as angel dust.
Owen Quigley, a dairy farmer from Newbliss, pleaded guilty to possession of clenbuterol in 2016 in contravention of the European Communities (Control of Remedies and their Residues) 2009 Regulations at Monaghan district court last Monday.
The seizure of approximately 90 litres of the substance, which was hidden at various locations on his farm, was among the largest made in the past decade, according to sources familiar with the case.
Quigley also pleaded guilty to possession of animals to which clenbuterol had been administered on May 5, June 7 and June 13, 2016, in contravention of regulations.
As well as the fine and €600 in witness expenses, the judge Denis McLoughlin ordered the forfeiture of the property seized in the search.
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Clenbuterol is prohibited from entering the food chain as it can cause muscle tremors, dizziness, headaches and gastric problems if ingested by humans. Its use is banned throughout the EU.
The department launched an investigation into Quigley after traces of the toxic substance were detected in a sample taken from a cow he sent for slaughter to the ABP meat-processing plant at Clones in mid 2016.
A further 27 cattle on his farm tested positive for the drug. A search of his farm by gardai and department officials found bottles of Clenbuterol hidden in the attic of his farmhouse. A smaller quantity was found in his farm office.
It appeared that Quigley had been feeding the illegal growth promoter to his dairy cattle to increase their value prior to slaughter. Clenbuterol promotes muscle growth in cattle.
Its use has all but ceased on Irish farms over the past decade due to enhanced testing. The Department of Agriculture examines samples collected in meat-processing plants for traces of any banned substances or high levels of antibiotics.
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Quigley did not disclose the source of the drugs, or the identity of his supplier. Investigations to identify them are ongoing.
Holly Cairns, the Social Democrats spokeswoman on justice issues, said: “There is a moral obligation to find out who is importing this substance as it presents such a serious threat to people and the agriculture industry. ”
Quigley could not be reached for comment.