Airport Confiscates Irish Mother's Cannabis For Sick Daughter
A woman campaigning for medicinal cannabis for her sick daughter has arrived into Dublin Airport with the drug.
Custom officials have confiscated the THC cannabis oil from Vera Twomey after questioning her for an hour when she touched down.
She was always going to declare it but custom officials were waiting for her with a sniffer dog.
Vera Twomey went to Barcelona to get the cannabis oil which is illegal here. Her seven year old daughter Ava has a rare form of epilepsy and suffers from seizures.
Vera told reporters: ''I'm not going to come into Dublin Airport like a sleeveen with something to be ashamed of. I have nothing to be ashamed of.''
Last month Vera walked from Cork all the way to the Dail to highlight her daughter’s need for medicinal cannabis.
Vera (in wheelchair) fell ill on her campaign walk but was committed to finishing the journey to Leinster House
It’s understood her application for cannabis oil for medicinal use was rejected because a consultant hadn't signed off on it. Without the proper authorisation - the drug is illegal here but it is available on prescription in other countries.
As a result Vera travelled to Barcelona to get the cannabis oil with two politicians - TD Gino Kenny and MEP Luke Ming Flanagan.
Vera said the officials who questioned her were very nice and seemed to know about her daughter. It's understood customs will now analyse the drug and it's unclear what will happen after that.
Gino Kenny said: ''I'm very proud of what Vera did today. She did nothing wrong. She went over to get medicine for her daughter and if that's illegal - well then the law is a joke.''