Fresh charges over €126k cannabis find

Two men were charged with the most serious charge under the drugs act yesterday arising from the seizure of €126,000 worth of cannabis resin on the main Cork-Dublin motorway in February.

Det Garda Eoin O’Toole charged them with having cannabis for sale or supply at a time when its street value exceeded €13,000. That is the threshold which allows for up to life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years on conviction, unless the judge finds exceptional circumstances.

Christopher Sexton, aged 41, and Paul Mannix, aged 51, were both charged with possession for sale of supply of cannabis resin at Corrin, Fermoy, Co Cork, on February 12, when the street value exceeded €13,000.

Inspector John Deasy said the DPP had directed trial by indictment and he applied to have the case adjourned until September 5 to allow time for the preparation and service of books of evidence.

Det Garda O’Toole gave evidence of previously charging both men with the related charges of having cannabis and having it for sale or supply.

Judge Olann Kelleher said the same bail conditions as imposed previously could be extended in relation to the new charges.

Those conditions require them to sign on three times a week at Gurranabraher Garda Station, not associate with each other, and surrender passports to gardaí. They were also required to notify gardaí of any change in address. Otherwise Mr Sexton was required to continue residing at 225 Cathedral Road, Cork, and Mr Mannix at 20 Hollyhill Lane, Blarney Road, Cork.