Courts / Dublin / Report
Brazilian who tried to smuggle cocaine hidden in her vagina is jailed for four years
Summary
Christiane Moringa Fortis, a 28‑year‑old Brazilian, was arrested at Dublin Airport after immigration officials discovered she had concealed 79 cocaine pellets in her vagina, bra, and sanitary towels. She had presented forged documents from an Irish college to appear as a student. Fortis admitted she was promised €3,500 for transporting the drugs, which she intended to use for legal fees to regain custody of her child. Judge Patrick McCartan denied a suspended sentence, citing her sophisticated concealment method and limited English. He imposed a four‑year prison term, backdated to her May 2014 arrest. The total drug weight was just under a kilogram, valued at €64,000. Fortis pleaded guilty to importation of drugs at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The case highlights the use of forged documentation and the role of a "mule" in drug smuggling operations.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Brazilian who tried to smuggle cocaine hidden in her vagina is jailed for four years. Charges or matters: importation of drugs at Dublin Airport on May 14, 2014. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- May 14, 2014 Incident
- 2014-12-16 Publication
Why: The judge noted that prison will be more difficult for her because of her limited English. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: importation of drugs at Dublin Airport on May 14, 2014 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Patrick McCartan refused a defence application to impose a suspended sentence in light of the accused's troubled background. "She secreted drugs in a sophisticated way on her person, in her person and in her clothing," the judge said. "She must serve a prison sentence, if nothing more than to act as a deterrent." He imposed a four year sentence which he backdated to when Fortis went into custody last May.
Places mentioned
Topics
Airport Incidents Drugs Stage Sentence
Related court reports
- Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
- Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
- Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
- 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
- Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
- 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'
Help us improve this report
Your request is saved for the newsroom's next review. It does not immediately change the published report.
Prefer email? Send a correction request.