English boxer jailed for €2m drug operation in Dublin

An English boxer has been sentenced to four years in prison after being caught with over €2 million in cannabis in Dublin. Jamie Stalker, aged 37, is the brother of Thomas Stalker, a former professional boxer who represented Great Britain at the 2012 Olympics. The drugs were found in May 2023 during a police operation at the Park West Industrial Estate. Stalker was arrested alongside Niall Maher, 38, who also received a four-year sentence. The cannabis was hidden in a shipment labeled as bedding that arrived from Toronto. In court, it was revealed that Jamie Stalker had a troubled past, including a history of drug use and mental health issues. His lawyer stated that Stalker was under pressure to take part in the drug operation due to a significant drug debt of €14,000. Thomas Stalker, his brother, moved to Marbella and worked with Daniel Kinahan, the alleged leader of a crime cartel. He claimed Kinahan helped improve his life and career. In court, a letter from Thomas expressing support for Jamie was presented. Maher claimed he was also forced into the operation because of threats to his life and his family's safety. He was told that refusing to participate could result in dangerous consequences. Judge Duffy noted the significant amount of drugs involved but chose to impose a sentence less than the mandatory ten years, sentencing both men to five years, with one year suspended.