Cork gardai charge man with drug offences

Drugs squad gardai in Cork found a man in possession of five kilos of cannabis resin and in a follow-up search of a house they found another 35 kilos of the illegal drugs with a total street value of €520,000.

Dean Coughlan (aged 28) of 24 Ballinderry Park, Mayfield, Cork, was arrested and charged this afternoon with having the drugs for the purpose of selling or otherwise supplying to others at Boyces Street, Cork.

Detective Garda Jason Lynch arrested and charged Dean Coughlan who had no reply after he was cautioned.

Detective Inspector Tom Myers said the gardai were looking for a substantial bail in the case.

Judge David Riordan remanded Coughlan in custody until Tuesday at Cork District Court with consent to bail of €20,000, a cash lodgement of €4,000 and an independent surety of €3,500.

Det. Insp. Myers said: "It is alleged that the accused, Dean Coughlan, was found in possession of five kilos of cannabis resin on March 27 at Boyces Street, Cork.

"In a follow-up search at 3 Boyces Street another 35 kilos of drugs were found.

"Due to the seriousness of the charges, the likely sentence on conviction and the fact that he was caught red-handed, we are looking for a substantial independent surety."

Inspector William Duane said the State also wanted an undertaking from Coughlan not to apply for a passport, to reside at 24 Ballinderry Park, and to sign on daily at Mayfield Garda Station.