Two charged in connection with €20m cocaine haul

TWO men have appeared before a special sitting of Fermoy District Court in connection with one of the largest finds of cocaine in the history of the state.

Sean O’Donovan, aged 45, and Richard Deutschenbaur, aged 56, were both charged with two offences following last Thursday’s seizure of 80kg of cocaine by gardaí and customs officials at Ballinakilla, Bartlemy in north Cork. The haul, estimated to be worth more than €5 million in its present state, would have a street value of between €16m and €20m.

O’Donovan of Ballinakilla, Bartlemy, was charged with possession of cocaine and possession of cocaine for sale and supply at Ballinakilla, Bartlemy on October 13 contrary to Sections 3 and 15 of the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Deutschenbaur, a German with an address at Stora Slatlovagen, 8, 44195, Alinggas, Sweden, was also charged with the same two offences, at the same place and on the same date.

Neither O’Donovan nor Deutschenbaur spoke during the eight-minute hearing, save to confirm their identities.

Gardaí testified that both men made no reply when the charges were put to them at Cobh Garda Station late on Friday night.

Inspector Tony O’Sullivan told the court that the state would be objecting to bail for both men. However, Ken Murray, solicitor for both men, told Judge Olann Kelleher he would be reserving his right to seek bail for his clients.

Mr Murray requested that Judge Kelleher note Deutschenbaur had a neurological condition that resulted in him having recurring brain tumours.

“He is in remission at the moment and needs to be assessed every six months,” said Mr Murray. “He is quite apprehensive that any knock or bang could have serious consequences for him.”

Judge Kelleher said Deutschenbaur would be given any facilities he required.

Both men were remanded in custody until next Friday’s sitting of Fermoy District Court.

Applications for legal aid for both men were also put back until Friday.