Prosecution in west Cork record drugs haul faces delay

LAWYERS for four men charged with the state’s largest-ever seizure of cocaine off the coast of west Cork in July have complained about delays in prosecuting the case.

Cloverhill District Court in Dublin heard yesterday that it will be at least another month before the book of evidence against the four men is ready.

The four accused are Perry Wharrie, 47, of Pryles Lane, Loughton, Essex; Joseph Daly, 40, of Carrisbrooke Avenue, Bexley, Kent; Gerard Hagan, 23, of Hollowcroft, Liverpool and Martin Wanden, 44, of no fixed address.

All four are charged with various offences under the Misuse of Drugs Act relating to the discovery of 61 bales of cocaine washed up at Dunlough Bay, Mizen Head, Co Cork, on July 2 last. The estimated value of the drugs is €107million.

Solicitor for the DPP Ronan O’Neill applied yesterday to have the accused men further remanded in custody on the basis that the book of evidence in the case was still being prepared.

Objecting to the DPP’s request for a further remand in custody, solicitor Peter Madden said no reason had been offered by the DPP why the book of evidence had not been ready within the required 42 days since the men were originally charged.

Judge John Lindsay refused a request by Mr Madden to have a Garda witness called to explain the delay.

But he also turned down the DPP’s application for a further remand of four weeks. The judge remanded the four back to the same court on September 18.