A 39-year-old Bolivian national pleaded guilty at Kilkenny Circuit Criminal Court yesterday to having a large quantity of cocaine for sale or supply at a flat in the city.
The elaborate drugs laboratory was discovered when gardaí raided a flat in Kilkenny city.
Sentencing was adjourned to the July sitting of the court for the preparation of medical and probation reports.
It was expected that the case would go to a full trial but when the accused, Juan Carlos Melgar Alba, was arraigned on a single charge, he pleaded guilty and the jury panel was discharged.
The accused, who has "absolutely no English", the court heard, pleaded guilty through an interpreter of being in possession of cocaine with a market value in excess of €12,697 for sale or supply to others.
Two other charges, for the possession of cocaine and possession for supply, were adjourned.
The adjournment to July 13th was granted by Judge Michael White on the application of defence counsel Mr Michael Counihan SC.
Mr Counihan said his client had diabetes and while in custody had been hospitalised.
He also said that he needed time to discuss and consider the circumstances of his client.
The accused, who is currently in Cloverhill, was remanded in custody.
