Four men yesterday appeared at a special sitting of Tullamore District Court on charges related to a major drugs seizure in Portarlington, Co Laois, on Friday last.
Supt Peter Wheeler told the court that a consignment of 4.7 tonnes of herbal cannabis with a street value of £16.1 million was the largest seizure in the history of the State.
Before the court were Mr Seβn Whelan (34), Bishopswood Road, Portarlington; Mr John Gallagher (38), 92 Pinewood Green Avenue, Balbriggan, Co Dublin; Mr Jason Howe (26), Davitt House, Galtymore Road, Dublin 12, and Mr Kenneth O'Mahony (27), Riverview Estate, Blarney, Co Cork.
They were charged with being in possession of a controlled drug at Emerald Square car park, Cooltedaray, Portarlington.
They were also charged with possession of the drug for the purpose of sale or supply to others.
Supt Wheeler informed Judge John F. Neilan that with the exception of Mr Whelan, the garda∅ were not satisfied that the defendants resided at the addresses given.
He said for that reason he was opposing the granting of bail.
All were then remanded in custody to Tullamore Court tomorrow.
Mr Whelan was granted consent to bail of £18,000 with one independent surety of £60,000, which his brother agreed to provide.