Man charged over €500,000 cannabis growhouse

Barry Roche

A 30-year-old man has been remanded in custody after he was charged at the weekend in connection with the discovery of drugs potentially worth €500,000 at a cannabis growhouse near Macroom in Co Cork.

Piotr Stancik, a Slovakian national, was brought before Bandon District Court on Friday where he was charged with two offences following the discovery of the growhouse by officers from the West Cork Divisional Drugs Squad.

Mr Stancik was charged with possession of cannabis, contrary to Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act, and cultivation of cannabis plants, contrary to Section 17 of the Misuse of Drugs Act at Ros na Killa, Tarelton, Co Cork on September 18th last.

Garda Claire Bernadette McMahon gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution and told the court Mr Stancik made no reply to either of the charges when they were put to him after caution.

Defence solicitor Myra Dineen applied for bail but Insp Gerry Lacey sought a remand in custody, saying gardaí were objecting to bail because of the seriousness of the charges, the fact Mr Stancik had no ties to the jurisdiction and fears he might seek to abscond.

Judge James McNulty noted that Mr Stancik was facing serious charges and had no ties to the jurisdiction and refused bail, remanding him in custody to appear again at Clonakilty District Court this Friday.