Man charged in connection with drugs haul is refused bail

A former hotel worker who is alleged to have been involved in the importation of drugs from Spain was refused bail yesterday at Limerick Circuit Court.

Patrick Scanlon, aged 52, from West Limerick and with an address at the Maison Gorey Hotel, Jersey, is charged with possession of drugs with a street value in excess of €13,000, at Churchview, Pallaskenry, Co Limerick, on Aug 8.

Objecting to his bail application, Det Garda David Bainham told Judge John O’Neill that it was alleged Mr Scanlon was among a group who organised the importation of drugs form Spain for distribution here by wholesalers.

Det Garda Bainham said it was alleged Mr Scanlon was involved in the overseeing of the drugs once they hit these shores and was very much involved in the control of the drugs.

He said as the Garda divisional drugs squad was investigating the importation of drugs form Spain with customs, a package containing cannabis was identified. It was destined for an address in Pallaskenry.

On Aug 8, he alleged gardaí found the unopened package when they went to the address. The occupant of the house had signed for the package, he alleged.

Some time later, Mr Scanlon was stopped driving towards Limerick City by the Garda Regional Support Unit and allegedly gave the name “Mike O’Brien”.

His passport with the correct name was found, it was claimed.

Mr Scanlon provided an address in Jersey where he told gardaí he had worked for 12 months.

Mr Scanlon, it is alleged, told gardaí he returned to Ireland last month and stayed in different hotels and B&Bs.

Det Garda Bainham claimed Mr Scanlon also gave an address of the parish priest of Southill, but gardaí were unable to confirm this. He said they feared if given bail, Mr Scanlon would flee the jurisdiction, alleging his network was far reaching into mainland Europe.

Judge O’Neill remanded Mr Scanlon in custody to appear at the same court on Sept 3.