A businessman arrested by gardaí investigating the seizure of €10.6 million worth of cocaine has appeared before a special sitting of Gorey District Court.
Michael Murphy (61), with an address in Co Waterford, appeared before Judge Kevin Staunton in connection with the seizure of 152kg of cocaine.
Det Gda Sean Lane, of Waterford Garda station, told the court Mr Murphy had been arrested in connection with the seizure of the drugs last Tuesday.
The detective said the arrest came as part of an “intelligence-led” operation.
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Mr Murphy, the transport manager of Herriot Haulage Limited – which is registered in Co Waterford, was arrested at 10.30am and taken to Waterford Garda station.
While an initial search of the vehicle “proved negative”, the detective told the court, the truck and trailer was taken to Dublin Port where it was subjected to an X-ray.
An “anomaly” was discovered within the refrigerated unit part of the trailer.
Det Gda Lane said that after a “further deep search” assisted by the stolen motor vehicle investigation unit and the dog unit, a “sophisticated concealment” operated through a “hydraulic” mechanism was detected.
Cocaine, which was verified by Science Foundation Ireland, weighing 152 kgs and worth 10.65 million euro was discovered.
Gardaí also discovered phones, tools, bags and GPS tracking equipment. Some of the GPS equipment was located near the “concealment of drugs”.
Investigators believe the drugs were loaded in Spain and transported to Ireland on behalf of several organised crime groups.
Mr Murphy was charged under caution on Saturday night with possession of the cocaine as well possession with intent to sell or supply the drugs
In reply to the charge of possession of cocaine with intent to sell or supply, Det Gda Lane said Murphy said: “I understand the charge.”
Gardaí said further charges may be recommended on submission of an investigation file to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
He said that during searches of properties as part of the operation, a dog unit discovered a sophisticated portable signal jammer. He said this was a counter-surveillance device used by the military which was “unknown to common folk” and was believed to be used “to aid criminality”.
Det Gda Lane said there were “no conditions whatsoever that would alleviate the concerns of gardaí” on bail.
Mr Murphy’s solicitor Chris Hogan said his client was a widower, residing with some of his five children who were professionals.
He said Mr Murphy, whose exact address cannot be reported for legal reasons, had a business with 10 employees and was in the course of setting up other business interests.
He said he had “strong ties” to the jurisdiction, that he was a “businessman” with his “family here”.
Mr Hogan asked if the garda accepted that Mr Murphy had strong ties to this jurisdiction.
Det Gda Lane said he did accept that but added it was the belief of An Garda Síochána that he had ties to other jurisdictions.
Mr Hogan asked if it would alleviate his concerns if Mr Murphy signed on at a Garda station or obeyed by a curfew.
The representative of An Garda Síochána said it would not.
Judge Kevin Staunton said: “The defendant is a 61-year-old man and his family are here to support him, which can on occasion give the court some encouragement.
“He lives with his family locally and he has ties to the jurisdiction. So, I understand Mr Hogan’s argument.”
The judge said he understood the argument that he is not a person likely to flee, given his business and family interests in Ireland. However, he added that he had concerns arising from the evidence from Det Gda Lane.
He said the amount of cocaine involved was “very significant”.
“Given the consignment of drugs, it is a serious offence by any stretch of the imagination.”
In conclusion, he added: “The concerns of gardaí are well founded and I must refuse bail.”
Mr Murphy was remanded in custody to appear again via video-link at Waterford District Court on Tuesday. – PA
