Two Vietnamese nationals face charges of importing drugs

Two Vietnamese nationals with addresses in Cork appeared before a special sitting of Wexford District Court yesterday on charges of importation of drugs through Rosslare Port.

Vaidas Dapsys, aged 39, with an address of 1 Copper Hill, Ballintemple, Cork, was before the court on four drug-related charges, the importation and possession of Diamorphine and Amphetamine with a value of €16,400 through Rosslare Euro Port on May 3, 2013. He is also charged with possession for sale and supply of both diamorphine and amphetamine on the same occasion.

Gardaí Josephine Dowling told Judge Gerard Furlong that the accused man was charged with the offences at 8.50pm on May 4, having been arrested at Rosslare Europe Port on May 3.

In reply to the charges, Garda Dowling said that the accused replied: ‘I’m not guilty, I did not do it. I knew nothing about the drugs. I did not place any drugs in my van. I didn’t see any drugs in my van. I’m not guilty. I was not aware of the drugs. I did not have any drugs and I didn’t transport any drugs. I was not carrying any drugs.”

Defence solicitor, Ed King, told the court his client is living in Cork City.

Garda Dowling said she had been provided with an address but will need to undertake further investigations.

Rolandas Kaktavicius, aged 44, of 2 Woodview, Bracken Court, Douglas, Cork, was charged with the possession of heroin on the same occasion to the value of €174,000.

Noel Goff, officer, Customs & Excise, gave evidence to the court of having arrested the accused. He said he found in his possession 1.6 kilos of heroin with a street value of €174,000. He also told the court of having arrested Dapsys with drugs to the value of €16,200.

Garda dowling said Kaktavicius made no reply to each of the charges when put to him.

Both accused were remanded in custody to appear before Cloverhill District Court on Friday next.