Man (50) charged following €105,000 drugs seizure in Co Cork

A man (50) has been remanded on bail after he was charged in connection with a €105,000 drug seizure by gardaí when they stopped and searched a car in north Cork.

Sean McGuire with an address at Rooskagh Valley, Shanagarry, Co Cork was brought before a special sitting of Mallow District Court where he was charged with two offences arising from the seizure.

Mr McGuire was charged with possessing cocaine and with possessing cocaine for sale or supply at Lissard, Burnfort, Co Cork on November 12th when he appeared in court on Sunday morning.

Det Garda Will Hosford of the Mallow District Drugs Unit said Mr McGuire made no reply to the charges when they were put to him after caution.

Insp Tony Sullivan said gardaí had no objection to Mr McGuire being released on bail with conditions and defence solicitor, David O'Meara said his client was agreeable to the sought bail conditions.

Surrender

Det Garda Hosford said gardaí wanted Mr McGuire to surrender his passport and not to apply for any replacement travel documents and to reside at his address at Shanagarry in East Cork.

They also wanted him to notify them of any change of address so they could approve any move and to sign on every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Midleton Garda Station between 9am and 9pm.

Judge Colm Roberts also made it a condition of Mr McGuire's bail that he provide gardaí with a mobile phone number and he keep his phone charged and in credit so he can be contacted 24/7.

He warned Mr McGuire that failing to keep it charged or in credit or failing to answer it when rung by gardaí would amount to a breach of his bail and could lead to him being held in custody.

Judge Roberts inquired as to the value of the drugs at the centre of the charges and Insp Sullivan said the value of the drugs was €105,000 prompting Judge Roberts to seek an independent surety.

He remanded Mr McGuire on his own bond of €500 and an independent surety of €1,000 to appear again at Mallow District Court on December 21st for the DPP’s directions in the case.

Judge Roberts granted Mr McGuire free legal aid after Mr O’Meara outlined Mr McGuire’s earnings while working as courier and he assigned Mr O’Meara to represent him on the charges.