#318 Cannabis Conundrum: Would You Turn in Your Own Kid?

The Niall Boylan Podcast (They Told Me To Shut Up)

In this powerful episode, Niall addresses a difficult question: Would You Report Your Own Child for Selling Drugs? The discussion arises from a recent story of a mother’s agonizing decision to alert the Gardaí about her son's significant cannabis stash.

Senior counsel Tom Creed calls for leniency, highlighting the young man’s efforts to reform, while Judge Dara Hayes commends the mother’s crucial intervention in potentially saving her son from a dangerous future.

The story recounts a dramatic moment when Garda Chris Campbell responds to a distress call from Margaret Kennelly, fearing for her teenage son’s life as he spirals into drug abuse. The discovery of €25,500 worth of cannabis becomes central to a legal case that stirs profound questions about privacy, tough love, and the complicated nature of family bonds.

Callers weigh in with diverse perspectives. Some sympathize with the mother, recognizing the seriousness of drug issues but questioning whether involving authorities is an invasion of privacy. They advocate for addressing societal factors driving drug abuse. Others argue that hard choices, like reporting a child, are sometimes necessary to prevent greater harm, emphasizing the importance of personal accountability.

Tune in as this episode explores the delicate balance of parental responsibility, privacy, and the harsh realities families face in dealing with drug-related issues.