Five Chinese men remanded over cannabis factory

Five Chinese men have been remanded in custody in connection with a garda raid on a cannabis growhouse in North Cork last Monday.

Jian Zhongyu, 36; Liang Lu Wang, 27; Yangtuan Zheng, 36; Ming Feng Chen, 31; and Xinyu He, 32, appeared before a sitting of Midleton District Court last night in connection with the seizure of more than 800 cannabis plants at an industrial unit in Mondaniel, Rathcormac.

Each of the men were charged with possession, possession for intent to supply and the cultivation of cannabis.

A translator fluent in Mandarin Chinese was present during the court hearing, which was presided over by Judge Brian Sheridan.

Det Garda Stephen Ahern gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution in relation to Mr Ming.

He said that when cautioned Mr Ming made no reply to the charges.

On hearing that his solicitor was not making an application for bail at this stage, Insp Eoin Healy asked Judge Sheridan to remand Mr Ming in custody to appear at Mallow District Court on Tuesday, Nov 27, at 10.30am.

Insp Healy said gardaí needed to carry out further inquiries, as Mr Ming’s identity had not been fully established, and this was also the case with the other four men.

The judge granted the application.

Det Garda Liam Finn said Mr Xinyu also made no reply when he was cautioned. He was also remanded in custody to appear at Mallow District Court.

Det Garda Denise Fitzgerald told Judge Sheridan that when she cautioned Mr Liang, he replied: “I didn’t do it.”

His solicitor said Mr Liang had an address in Dublin, but he could not exactly specify where it was.

Judge Sheridan also remanded Mr Liang in custody to appear in Mallow District Court.

Det Garda Tom Ryan said that when he cautioned Mr Jian he replied that he was “innocent” of two of the charges and then in relation to the third charge said he was “innocent of all charges” and “I’m only there to move goods, make living”.

Mr Jian was again remanded in custody to next appear at next Tuesday’s court, as was Mr Yangtuan.

Det Garda Kevin O’Donnell said that when he cautioned Mr Yangtuan, he replied: “The drug wasn’t in my possession. I was only cutting the plants. I did not sell drugs. I only worked there for a short time. I did not cultivate.”

Judge Sheridan told the five men’s solicitors that he would grant legal aid to the men if he was furnished with statements of means which satisfied him that they were unable to afford their own representation.

He said the statements of means should be presented to him at the court sitting next Tuesday.