Man ‘obstructed’ drugs probe

A man was charged with obstructing gardaí in a drugs probe by allegedly refusing to give them passwords for three mobile phones.

At Cork District Court yesterday, Insp Bill Duane outlined this as part of the allegations against Andrew O’Connell, of 98 Mount Rivers, Carrigaline, Co Cork.

Mr O’Connell faces three charges under the Misuse of Drugs Act. He is charged with having €100 worth of cocaine allegedly found during a search of a house on June 12 at Island View, Main St, Ringaskiddy, Co Cork.

Insp Duane said there was a follow-up search of a car at Hogan’s yard, Raheens, Co Cork, also on June 12. Arising out of that, Mr O’Connell is charged with having €600 worth of cannabis for sale or supply to others.

The third charge is one of impeding an investigation by Det Garda Fergal Long. The particulars of that charge state the accused refused to provide his PIN and pattern codes for three phones which were to be examined as part of the drugs investigation.

Defence solicitor, Eddie Burke, applied to have the case adjourned so that a copy of the Garda prosecution statements could be sent to the defence. Judge Leo Malone adjourned the case until October 2.